Swim Strong Foundation Kicks Off Water Safety Month with Two Free NYC Events and Raffle

May is National Water Safety Month — and Swim Strong Foundation is bringing the mission directly to your neighborhood. This week, we’re partnering with two chapters of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. to host two free community events in Queens and Manhattan. Free swim lessons. Know Before You Go!® water safety education. CPR training. Games. Prizes. No cost to attend.

Here’s everything you need to know — and how to sign up.

EVENT 1: Swim 1922 in Queens — Wednesday, May 13

When & Where:

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 • 5:30–8:30 PM

Jamaica High School, 167-01 Gothic Dr, Jamaica, NY 11432

In partnership with: Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. — Nu Beta Sigma Queens Alumnae Chapter

What’s included — all free:

• Introductory swim lesson
• Know Before You Go!® situational knowledge of water training
• CPR and seizure response education
• DJ, snacks, and games in the gym
• Prizes for the first 50 registrants — sign up now to claim yours

Register here: Swim 1922 Jamaica HS

Spots are limited. The first 50 registrants receive prizes, so don’t wait.

EVENT 2: Swim 1922 in Manhattan — Sunday, May 17

When & Where:

Sunday, May 17, 2026 • 9:00 AM–1:00 PM • Ages 6 and up

River East Elementary School, 2351 First Ave, New York, NY 10035

⚠ Important: There is scaffolding around the whole school. Attendees must enter via the entrance on 120th Street.

In partnership with: Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. — Kappa Sigma NYC Alumnae Chapter

What’s included — all free:

• Introductory swim lesson
• Know Before You Go!® situational knowledge of water training
• CPR education
• Snacks and raffle prizes
• Prizes for the first 50 registrants

Register here: Swim 1922 River East Elementary

ALSO THIS MONTH: Win Free Swim Lessons for Your Family

Can’t make it to an event? Here’s another way to get involved before May 16.

Swim Strong Foundation is raffling a full cycle of free swim lessons for one nuclear family. A nuclear family is parent/s and children….or caregiver/s and children. Enter by making a $10 donation — and if you win, your family gets access to a series of lessons at one of our NYC pool locations.

Raffle details:

• Entry: $10 donation to Swim Strong Foundation
• Deadline: May 16, 2026
• Prize: A full cycle of free swim lessons for your nuclear family (one household, parent/s and children….or caregiver/s and children.)
• Participants must be six years old or older on the day of class registration
• Beach Swag Bags will also be raffled off. They include beach towels, swim caps and goggles

Enter the raffle here: swimstrongfoundation.org/product/free-family-swim-lesson-raffle/

Visit swimstrongfoundation.org/current-classes/ to see class schedules and pool locations before you enter.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Swim Strong Foundation has spent 20 years making water safety a right, not a luxury — reaching 121,000+ students, teaching 12,400+ people to swim, and graduating 535+ certified lifeguards across New York City. Know Before You Go!® isn’t just about swimming. It’s about knowing what to look for before you ever step near the water — in a pool, at the beach, or along the river.

Events like these are how that education reaches every neighborhood.

Whether you come to an event, enter the raffle, or share this post with someone who should know about it — you’re part of the mission.

🌊 Register for the Queens event (May 13):  Swim 1922 Jamaica HS

🌊 Register for the Manhattan event (May 17): Swim 1922 River East Elementary

🎯 Enter the family swim lesson raffle (deadline May 16): Nuclear Family Swim Lesson Raffle

💳 Support the mission: Donate

Celebrating 20 Years of Water Safety • 2006–2026