Water has been the only consistent thing in my life that has fully allowed me to be present. Consider this, when you are swimming, you must engage your mind, your body and your spirit.

For if you are not connected to those things as a swimmer, you may possibly run into danger. And water and danger are not something you want.

For water, although it is incredibly humbling and healing- it can and also be a source for drowning. Knowing how to swim is a survival skill. And knowing how to be present with yourself while you swim is even more important.

Globally, statistics show that 55% of people (aged 15 and older) cannot swim unassisted. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4.

What does unassisted mean in reference to swimming? Ideally, it’s when someone cannot swim without the usage of something to assist them. PFD’s- personal flotation device.

So, someone that can swim, unassisted, means they do not need something to assist them when swimming.

And that statistics of 55% is a large number of people, who are not confident swimming with something like a PFD.

Swimming should be something that EVERYONE can do and enjoy.

The fact that swimming can bring so many healing modalities for the mind, body and spirit- has me wondering why we aren’t teaching this skill in schools. And why those underserved populations are being left on the wayside.

Unfortunately, many people have fear as one of the common barriers to learn how to swim.

Many groups of people have limited or no access to resources that teach them how to swim. The underserved population (low-economic status, cultural and racial injustices) needs to have the ability to learn and enjoy the water.

Everyone deserves to be able to know how to swim.

About Hope Floats

Our team is made up of staff members, advisors, swim school owners and instructors, volunteers, parents, and caring individuals who are passionate community advocates in empowered alignment with the Hope Floats model. We have a diving-in mindset, and are willing to get creative and do whatever it takes to make a difference.

Learn to Swim

Give the gift of Swim

Team Members