Water is everywhere.
Water safety education isn’t.
The Joys of Swimming Foundation is dedicated to saving lives through water safety education and access to swimming.
We believe everyone - regardless of ability, background or access - should have the opportunity to safely experience the many joys of swimming.
The Joys of Swimming Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
Drowning is the second leading cause of preventable death in children.
Yet most kids receive little to no real water safety education before they are around pools, lakes, rivers, and vacations near water.
The Joys Of Swimming brings age-appropriate water safety education directly into schools, funded by community sponsors who believe prevention matters.
The problem is PREVENTABLE.
Children encounter water long before many receive meaningful water safety education.
Backyard pools. Friends’ houses. Lakes. Rivers. Summer camps. Vacations.
Water is a part of childhood.
But knowing how to swim and knowing how to be safe around water are not the same thing.
Parents often assume someone else will teach water safety. Schools want to help, but they may not have the time, resources, or expertise to make it happen.
That leaves a dangerous gap between exposure and education.
We believe that gap can (and should) be closed.
Our mission.
Water safety education to save lives and promote access to swimming.
The Joys of Swimming Foundation supports programs, partnerships, and national awareness initiatives that make water safety education and swimming more accessible.
Our goal is simple:
Help more people become safer around water and experience the many joys of swimming.
What we do.
WATER SAFETY EDUCATION
We bring engaging, age-appropriate water safety education directly into schools and communities.
Our school program teaches children how to recognize risk, make safer choices, and understand why water deserves respect.
ACCESS TO SWIMMING
Swimming is more than a sport. It is a life skill, a source of confidence, a way to connect with others, and an opportunity to experience the world from a different perspective.
We support opportunities that help individuals and communities access swimming education and experiences they may not otherwise have.
NATIONAL AWARENESS
Water safety is not just a local issue.
Through partnerships, storytelling, community events, and national initiatives, we are working to make water safety part of the conversation wherever people live, work, play, and travel near water.
Water safety starts before the emergency.
Our School Program
The Joys Of Swimming School Program is an interactive, one-day water safety experience delivered directly to schools.
No pool is required.
No special equipment is required.
And schools do not pay for the program.
Students learn practical ways to recognize risk and make safer decisions around water. And, leave with simple information they can take home and share with their families.
Sponsors make this possible.
Your support creates impact.
Every donation helps us reach more children, families, and communities with water safety education and swimming opportunities.
YOUR GIFT CAN HELP:
Educate
Provide water safety education and resources to children and families.
Reach
Bring programming to schools and communities that may not otherwise have access.
Connect
Create partnerships that expand the reach of water safety education.
Inspire
Use swimming and storytelling to create greater awareness and connection.
EPIC 10k50
50 STATES.
50 OPEN WATER 10K RELAYS SWIMS.
ONE YEAR.
In 2027, Bonnie Adams and Mary Borman will travel across all 50 states to complete 50 open water 10k relay swims.
But, this is about so much more than swimming.
EPIC 10k50 will use the power of swimming, community, storytelling, and adventure to raise awareness for water safety, access, inclusion, and the many ways swimming can change lives.
SWIM OZ
THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO EXPERIENCE THE JOYS OF SWIMMING.
A swimming community built around connection, coaching, open water, and the simple joy of getting in.
An open water swim festival designed to make every swimmer feel celebrated - from first time swimmers to experienced, world-class open water athletes.
September 18th & 19th, 2027
TheTributary Podcast
A podcast with immersive conversations with seasoned experts and passionate enthusiasts exploring the world of outdoor recreation centered around water.
YOU CAN HELP.
GIVE.
Your donation helps make water safety education and access to swimming possible.
SPONSOR A SCHOOL.
Help bring water safety education to an entire school at no cost to the school.
PARTNER WITH US.
Businesses and organizations can help expand the reach of our programs and initiatives.
GET INVOLVED.
Volunteer. Share. Swim. Tell someone about water safety.
EVERY connection matters.