Seafarer’s Foundation: Making Waves of Change

The Seafarers Foundation Summer Youth Program—an AAWGT grantee—is marking its 20th anniversary of empowering underserved children with lifesaving swim instruction, sailing opportunities, and leadership development. On September 26, the community will gather to celebrate this milestone!

In the United States, drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages 1–4, and African American children ages 5–19 drown in swimming pools at 5.5 times the rate of their White peers. Hispanic children also face heightened risks, with 45% reporting few to no swimming skills, often due to financial and accessibility barriers. The Seafarer’s Foundation Summer Youth Program, funded with $25,000 by AAWGT,  directly combats these inequities by offering free, structured swimming instruction and water safety education to over 100 youth ages 8–12 each summer.

With generous AAWGT support, SYP has expanded its aquatic curriculum, ensuring that every child leaves with both confidence and competence in the water. These lessons aren’t just recreational—they’re lifesaving. Under the guidance of certified instructors, participants gain mastery in swim strokes, floating techniques, and basic rescue skills that prepare them to stay safe and protect others.

As the Seafarers Foundation Summer Youth Program (SYP) celebrates its 20th anniversary, its mission has never been more urgent: to empower underserved youth through education, exploration, and critical water safety skills. Central to this two-week experience is the AAWGT funded comprehensive swim and safety initiative that addresses deeply concerning disparities in drowning rates among African American and Hispanic children.

This year marks an especially meaningful milestone: 20 years of inspiring, safeguarding, and equipping youth for brighter futures. To honor this legacy, the Seafarers Foundation will host a special anniversary celebration on Friday, September 26, 2025, in Greenbelt, MD. 

Seafarer’s commitment remains unwavering: to reduce drowning risks, expand opportunities, and cultivate a generation of confident, capable young leaders—because every child deserves a summer that inspires, safeguards, and sets the course for a brighter future.

Alice Mahan, Seafarer’sBoard Member & Program Committee Chair, contributed to this article.