Shawn Slevin, Author at Swim Strong Foundation

Merle Liivand demonstrating proper hand positioning for the breaststroke pull phase. Wearing a white swim cap and blue-tinted goggles, she shows the correct hand form while explaining technique to attentive young swimmers.

World Record Holder Merle Liivand Leads Spectacular Breaststroke Bootcamp

A Day of EliteTraining with "The Eco-Mermaid" This past Monday, swimmers gathered at the Bushwick HS Campus Pool for an extraordinary opportunity - a specialized Breaststroke Bootcamp led by Lady Merle Liivand, Estonian Champion and five-time Guinness World Record holder for monofin swimming. The event, hosted by the Swim Strong Foundation, brought together competitive swimmers eager to learn from one of the world's most accomplished breaststroke and open water swimmers. Merle, who began swimming due to medical challenges with her lungs, has...

April 19, 2025Blog, Events, VideosComments OffRead more...

A swimmer demonstrating competitive breaststroke technique in a lap lane. This demonstrates the proper body position and form that would be taught by Merle Liivand, who is an Estonian Champion in both 50 meter and 200 meter breaststroke.

Elevate Your Breaststroke: Exclusive Bootcamp with World Record Holder Lady Merle Liivand

Elevate Your Breaststroke: Exclusive Bootcamp with World Record Holder Lady Merle Liivand Are you looking to take your competitive swimming to the next level? Here's your chance to learn from one of the best in the world! We're thrilled to announce an exclusive Competitive Breaststroke Bootcamp with elite international open water swimmer and Guinness World Record holder, Lady Merle Liivand. The Expert Behind the Training Lady Merle Liivand isn't just any swim instructor. As an Estonian Champion in both the 50-meter and 200-meter...

April 9, 2025Articles, Blog, Events, PSAsComments OffRead more...

A person wearing a white cap turned backward, blue shirt, and a race blanket with "NYC Half" branding smiles at the camera in a post-race selfie. They're wearing a race medal with a green lanyard. In the background are other runners with thermal blankets and portable toilets, indicating this is after completing the race.

From Start to Finish: A NYC Half Marathon Journey

NYC Half Marathon Recap! Dear [Team/Supporters/Friends], I’m excited to share that I successfully completed the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon this past weekend—my first long-distance race! It was an incredible experience—challenging, rewarding, and made even more meaningful by running in support of the Swim Strong Foundation and our mission to provide water safety education and swim lessons to communities all over the world. The energy of the city, the camaraderie of fellow runners, and the unwavering support from all of you kept me going through every mile. From...

March 19, 2025Articles, BlogComments OffRead more...

Full Race Map for United Airlines Half Marathon 2025

Swim Strong Foundations : First Half Marathon Team

Marathon Weekend Our Runners This year marks Swim Strong's first time participating in this iconic race, and we couldn't be prouder of our five incredible runners: Francisco, Ada, Ruihan, Judy, and Andrew. Each of them has a personal connection to our mission of water safety education and drowning prevention Race Course This year's half marathon is especially exciting because runners will cross the Brooklyn Bridge for the first time in NYRR race history! The 13.1-mile course takes runners from Prospect Park through Brooklyn, over the...

March 15, 2025Articles, Blog, EventsComments OffRead more...

Ada's Image: "Runner in white Nike tank top captured mid-run at a race, with other runners visible in the background against a tree-lined path at sunset" Francisco's Image: "Swim coach in grey t-shirt sitting poolside surrounded by young swimmers in purple swim caps and swimsuits, looking at a device" Judy's Image: "Runner in purple event t-shirt and black leggings standing on a city street after a race, with other participants and urban buildings visible in the background" Ruihan's Image: "Runner in black athletic wear standing with arms outstretched on a green hillside, with dramatic snow-capped Alpine mountains in the background" Andrew’s Image: “Man in a dark double-breasted suit and white shirt smiling warmly at the camera, standing against a backdrop of green-lit paneling and marble walls in a professional setting"

Runners Who Make a Splash!

Supporting life-saving swimming lessons, one mile at a time. Meet our incredible team running the 2025 United Airlines NYC Half Marathon to support Swim Strong Foundation's mission of water safety education. Our Amazing Fundraising Team Francisco Nieves: From Pool to Pavement A lifelong swimmer turned advocate, Francisco's journey from competitive swimming to coaching shows his dedication to water safety. His mission continues as he takes on the United Airlines Half Marathon to ensure more children have access to life-saving swim lessons. [Support Francisco's Campaign] Ada...

February 18, 2025Articles, Blog, EventsComments OffRead more...

Article Cover Image from US Swimming Magazine by Jim Dubois showing Reagan as a Lifeguard

Presidential Swimming: Leadership Lessons from the Water

From therapeutic necessity to lifesaving heroics, the relationship between U.S. Presidents and swimming reveals compelling stories about leadership, perseverance, and water safety. Through the lens of presidential swimming experiences, we can explore valuable lessons that continue to resonate with modern audiences. The Early Champions John Quincy Adams: The Dedicated Daily Swimmer [^1] Perhaps no president demonstrated more dedication to swimming than John Quincy Adams. For nearly 30 years, from age 50 to 79, Adams maintained a remarkable morning routine in the Potomac River....

February 17, 2025Articles, BlogComments OffRead more...

In celebration of Lunar New Year, this stylized landscape reveals four manifestations of the Water Dragon. First, a light blue cloud-dragon soars near the black moon in the night sky. Second, a sinuous river-dragon winds through the woodlands, splitting into two dragon heads as it meets the ocean. Third, a partially thawing lake-dragon rests in the landscape. Fourth, a cloud-dragon forms near the mountain's sunset. The landscape harmoniously blends urban and natural elements, with city buildings integrating into forested areas, connected by a winding path. A modern building anchors the lower right, while a beach with protective jetties borders the vast ocean. The color palette flows from dark blues in the night sky through sunset pinks and oranges, complemented by rich forest greens and serene water blues. This composition represents the Water Dragon's role as guardian of all forms of water, bridging night and day as we welcome the new year.

The Water Dragon’s Silent Message: A Journey of Learning and Teaching

A New Swimmer's Journey: Discovering the Water Dragon's Wisdom A Journey Begins: Learning to Swim as a Parent As a new swimmer who has been training with Swim Strong Foundation for the past year, I've come to understand water in ways I never imagined. Finding Inspiration in My Son's Swimming Journey My son, who started his swimming journey two months before me, has been my inspiration and companion on this aquatic adventure. Together, we've discovered the magic and respect that comes with understanding water's...

January 29, 2025Articles, Blog, PSAsComments OffRead more...

Photo provided by the office of AM Jessica González-Rojas , showing Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas and other lawmakers kicked off a capital campaign for public pool at Lexington School for the Deaf.

Queens Deaf School Pool Renovation Gets $1.5M Boost – Major Victory for Water Safety

A landmark initiative is underway to restore the historic swimming pool at Lexington School for the Deaf in Queens, with Assembly Member González-Rojas securing $1 million in funding and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation contributing $500,000. The renovation will not only serve the school's deaf students but will also provide vital swimming instruction and lifeguard training to the broader Queens community. In a city where drowning rates are rising and millions lack access to public pools, this project represents a crucial...

November 27, 2024Articles, Blog, Swim Strong in The NewsComments OffRead more...

Feedback from our 11,000th Swimmer : A Military Veteran

Veteran Hayden Morgan was searching for a way to be active and stay healthy after his service in the military. He had always enjoyed the water, particularly when on vacation, but he felt he was taking chances in the water because he didn’t know how to swim. After an online search, he came across the Swim Strong Foundation’s program for veterans, which provides veterans with free swim lessons. The program for veterans and the convenient location of classes led him to...

November 8, 2024Articles, Blog, PSAsComments OffRead more...

Promotional poster for 'Changing the Narrative' documentary series featuring a diverse group of people and release dates for episodes.

Changing the Narrative: A Must-See Film on Breaking Swimming Barriers

"Changing the Narrative": A Must-See Film for Every Family A Powerful Message on Swimming and Water Safety Greetings, families! Today, I want to share something truly special with you. My friend Ed Accura has created a film that you absolutely must see: "Changing the Narrative". Universal Barriers to Swimming While Ed's film focuses on the UK perspective, the message resonates globally. As I've traveled the world, I've heard the same concerns echoed by people everywhere. The barriers to learning how to swim are truly universal. Reflecting...

September 26, 2024Articles, Blog, VideosComments OffRead more...

Protecting Lives: Discover Swim Strong Foundation’s Mission on Radio Rotary

Listen to Full Show Discover the crucial importance of water safety and drowning prevention with Swim Strong Foundation's Shawn Slevin on Radio Rotary. This eye-opening interview covers essential topics from home safety to environmental awareness, making it a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone who spends time near water. Are you concerned about water safety for yourself and your loved ones? Do you want to learn how to prevent tragic water-related accidents? Then you absolutely must tune in to the latest episode...

September 24, 2024Articles, Blog, VideosComments OffRead more...

Arricle Title: "Advocates push for expanded NYC swim instruction, access" By John Dias

CBS News Article On New York’s Drowning Crisis: Why Water Safety Education is Crucial

Stay updated on the urgent need for improved water safety measures in New York City. This article examines the concerning rise in drowning deaths at city-run beaches and explores how community leaders and advocates are pushing for more: swimming lessons, increased lifeguard presence, and better access to pools. Learn why experts believe fostering an "aquatic culture" could save lives and create a safer summer for all New Yorkers. Read CBS News Report Here

September 24, 2024Articles, Swim Strong in The NewsComments OffRead more...

Author - Shawn Slevin