Progressive Skill Building

Advocates for mandatory water safety education in all public schools (grades K-12) across New York State to reduce drowning and promote lifelong water safety awareness.

Shares the Swim Strong model at global forums such as the World Conference on Drowning Prevention and establishes water safety partnerships in seven African countries to expand international impact.

Partners with NAACP, churches, and civic groups to screen the film “A Film Called Blacks Can’t Swim” and deliver water safety education, reaching approximately 2,500 people since 2019 to address cultural barriers and increase participation in swimming.

Provides water safety education through the “Know Before You Go™” program, delivered in person, remotely, or in hybrid formats using platforms like Zoom and Google Classroom. The program has reached over 104,000 students across 109 schools since 2018 and includes age-specific curricula, videos, and downloadable resources for schools and community groups.

Organizes free community events such as WaterPalooza and local clinics in New York City boroughs, offering swim lessons, CPR training, and water safety education to increase public access and engagement.

Creates and publishes water safety resources including videos such as “We Can No Longer Avoid Water,” downloadable infographics, and discussion guides designed for parents, schools, and community organizations to extend reach beyond in-person programming.

Facilitates participation in competitive swim teams, US Swimming, high school and college programs, and supports career development in lifeguarding, coaching, military service, and emergency response. Has supported over 3,000 participants in joining swim teams and helped more than 500 become certified lifeguards or swim coaches.

Offers structured swim lessons for individuals aged 3 and up, including Learn to Swim, Get Ready Get Wet, and Competitive Stroke Enhancement classes, with skill-based placement and year-round sessions. Provides low or no-cost lessons to families in need and has taught over 12,200 people since 2007, including over 5,000 low-income students.

Recommends and promotes athlete protection training for all team members, including parents and athletes, through USA Swimming's education platform to ensure a safe and supportive environment.

Hosts annual dinner dance events and commemorative gatherings for graduating seniors, including classes from 2021 through 2026, to recognize their achievements and contributions to the swim club.

Conducts multiple open water swimming practices annually, including at Cedar Beach, and organizes participation in open water meets such as the Cadar Beach Open Water Meet.

Runs structured swim programs including a developmental Dolphin Lesson Program for ages 5–8, a junior program with two levels training 5–6 days per week, and an elite senior team training 6 days per week with double sessions and dryland training, preparing swimmers for local, regional, and national competitions.

Hosts the Holtsville Biathlon, a combined 1,000-meter swim and 1.5-mile run event, which was completed by 48 athletes in 2026.

Prepares and supports swimmers in participation across a range of competitive events, including local, regional, and national meets such as the LIAC Summer's End Invite, Cadar Beach Open Water Meet, and U.S. Olympic Trials, with documented improvements in personal best times and qualifying standards.

Conducts year-round swim practices at multiple educational institution pools from September to Memorial Day, and shifts to the Town of Brookhaven outdoor 50-meter pool in Holtsville for summer training after Memorial Day.

Supports senior team swimmers in high school training and competition, enables two out of three graduating seniors to continue swimming at the collegiate level, and hosts returning college-swimming alumni who train with the team and compete in summer events.

Provides swimming instruction, technique development, and year-round competitive coaching for individuals of all ages and abilities, including developmental programs for children ages 5–8 and competitive teams for older swimmers.

Provides ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes for adults in the Bronx and Queens to support language acquisition and community integration.