Swim Strong Featured in Amsterdam News: A Life-Saving Skill in a Warming World
We're thrilled to share that Swim Strong Foundation was recently featured in Amsterdam News! Our founder Shawn Slevin discussed the critical importance of water safety and swimming education in an era of extreme weather and climate change. From our innovative 'Know Before You Go' program to the growing need for water safety awareness in New York City, the article explores how we're working to protect our communities through education and access to swimming instruction. Want to learn more about our mission and...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...