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.

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)

Friends of + POOL provides everything a student needs to be successful in the swim program. This includes swim gear consisting of a swimsuit, swim cap, goggles, towel, pool bag, and booklet that outlines the lessons learned each day of class. With private swim instruction financially out of reach for many New Yorkers, your donation may help save a life, and ensures kids have a great summer!

For $333 you can sponsor-a-swimmer (all 8 classes + gear) or for $42 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 - $42

Thank you!

Read our 2024 Swim Programs Impact Report here--we rely on these donations to make these programs possible.

Help + POOL Get Kids Swimming This Summer

Summer Bluefish offers free swim lessons for low-income New Yorkers ages 5-18.

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