Summer Bluefish is a program + POOL launched in 2016 in partnership with the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) to provide free swim lessons and swim gear to youth who would otherwise not have the opportunity to learn how to swim. Now in its 10th year, Friends of + POOL is committed to making sure youth of our city can safely access the water around them.

Formal swimming lessons can reduce the likelihood of childhood drowning by as much as 88% (USA Swimming Foundation), but access to swim education is inconsistent and mired in inequality:

79% of children in households with incomes less than $50,000 have little-to-no swimming ability (USA Swimming Foundation).
69% of African-American children, 58% of Latino children and 42% of White children do not know how to swim (USA Swimming Foundation).
Black children drown at almost triple the overall national rate (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

For $333 you can sponsor-a-swimmer (all 8 classes + gear) or for $50 you can sponsor a single lesson. That said, any donation amount is greatly appreciated. Every little bit helps!

Sponsor-a-pod (6:1 student-teacher ratio) (all 8 classes + gear) - $1665
Sponsor 3 swimmers (all 8 classes + gear) - $999
Sponsor-a-swimmer (all 8 classes + gear) - $333
Sponsor 5 swimming lessons - $200
Sponsor 4 swimming lessons - $160
Sponsor 3 swimming lessons - $120
Sponsor 2 swimming lessons - $84
Sponsor 1 swimming lesson - $50

Thank you!

2026 Ready, Set, Swim!

Fundraiser for Summer Bluefish

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