Swim Safety Lesson Makes a Splash: Read How Swim Strong Foundation is Protecting NYC’s Children
A powerful story of transformation and lifesaving education. Register below to read the full article from The Tablet—or watch our featured video if you’re short on time.
Featured in The Tablet: Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn’s Official News Outlet
We’re excited to share that Swim Strong Foundation’s recent water safety presentation at St. Joan of Arc Catholic School in Jackson Heights was featured in The Tablet, the respected newspaper serving Brooklyn and Queens’ Catholic communities since 1908.
The Tablet has been chronicling the lives, faith, and vital community work across the Diocese of Brooklyn for over a century. As the official publication of the Diocese, it reaches thousands of families throughout Brooklyn and Queens, highlighting the stories that matter most to our communities.
In this compelling piece by reporter Paula Katinas, you’ll discover the account of Swim Strong Foundation Founder and Executive Director Shawn Slevin’s visit to St. Joan of Arc Catholic School on September 30th, where she presented our signature “Know Before You Go®” water safety program to students from third through eighth grade.
The article captures this important educational moment and the lifesaving work happening right here in Queens.
📰 To read the complete article, please register with your email or Google account.
Registration takes just moments and gives you access to this important story about protecting our children around water.
Read the Full Article
Short on Time? Watch the Video Instead
If you can’t register right now, we understand! You can still learn about this vital work by watching our YouTube video featuring the Swim Strong Foundation documentary.
🎥 [WATCH THE VIDEO HERE]
The video includes powerful testimonials, student success stories, and expert water safety guidance that could save a life in your family.
Why This Matters: The Urgent Reality of Water Safety
Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children under age five in the United States, and the second leading cause of accidental death in children under 14.
Yet 95% of drownings and water-based accidents are preventable through education and awareness.
That’s why Swim Strong Foundation exists—to close this gap through our comprehensive water safety education and swim instruction programs.
19 Years of Impact
Since 2006, Swim Strong Foundation has:
- Reached 121,000+ students with water safety education and swim instruction
- Provided approximately $1.9 million in free swim lessons as a volunteer-based organization
- Served 101+ locations across Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens
- Developed the “Know Before You Go®” program, reaching over 101,000 participants with situational water safety literacy
Help Us Continue This Lifesaving Work
Last year, we faced a funding gap in our mission to reach every child who needs water safety education. Your donation today helps us close that gap and expand our reach to more schools, more families, and more communities.
Every contribution directly supports:
- Free swim lessons for families who cannot afford them
- “Know Before You Go®” presentations in NYC schools
- Water safety materials and educational resources
- Volunteer coach training and support
- Community water safety events
Ways to Support
💙 Make a One-Time Donation
Help us reach our goal of serving more children this year.
💙 Become a Monthly Donor
Sustain our programs with recurring monthly support.
💙 Sponsor a Scholarship
Provide full swim instruction to a family in need.
Take Action Today
✅ Register below to read the full Tablet article about our St. Joan of Arc presentation
✅ Watch our YouTube video if you’re short on time
✅ Donate to help us close last year’s funding gap and reach more children
95% of drownings and water-based accidents are preventable. Join us in promoting lifesaving situational knowledge of water safety and swimming skills.
