Connecting Communities Through Aquatics
Diversity in Aquatics
Our Mission
Our Core Values
Our Goals
Diversity in Aquatics is driving a powerful movement toward the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles by building a more inclusive, accessible, and representative aquatic community. Through our “25 in 2025” initiative, we are laying the groundwork with short-term goals that include certifying 250 lifeguards, training 25 new water safety instructors, and educating 25,000 individuals nationwide on water safety. We aim to engage 2,500 new swimmers and coaches across competitive and Learn-to-Swim programs—especially in historically underrepresented communities. Long-term, we’re cultivating diverse leadership in aquatics, supporting HBCUs, and advocating for equitable policies. By 2028, we envision a pipeline of diverse aquatic talent, empowered communities, and increased representation on and beyond the Olympic stage because everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive in and around the water.
Meet Our Team
Terri Freeland
Director of Partnerships and Expansion
Thaddeus Gamory
Director of Partnerships and Community Engagement - Northeast Region
Kareim Edward
Director of Partnerships and Community Engagement - Southeast Region, President of the SC Center for Fathers & Families
Roderick E. Thompson, Esq.
General Counsel
Eric Walton
CPA
Kelsey Roberson
Administrative Assistant
Our Board of Directors
Expert leadership driving our mission.
Dr. Miriam Lynch
Executive Director
Tara Eggleston Stewart
Chairperson,
Director of Recreation and Parks of Montgomery County
Dr. Angela Beale-Tawfeeq
Vice Chairperson,
Associate Professor at Rowan University
John Abdou
Senior Athletic Director, UC Irvine
Stefanie Elam
CNN Worldwide
Cullen Jones
2 x Olympian
Secenario Jones
Program Manager for AmerisourceBergen
Maritza Correia McClendon
2004 Olympian
Board Emeritus
Expert leadership driving our mission.
Arthur Andrew Lopez Esq.
Founder of Nadar Por Vida
Lee Pitts
Television Producer, Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame Member
Coach Jim Ellis
Founder / Head Coach of PDR Swimming
Dr. E. Newton Jackson
Howard University Chair of the Health and Human Performance Dept
Lt. Ken Roland
Founder of CPR Etc. and Ken Roland International
Dr. E. Newton Jackson
Department Chair, Howard University Department of Health and Human Performance
Jayson Jackson
Co-Founder
Dr. Shaun Anderson
Co-Founder
Council Leaders
Meet the Council Leaders Behind Diversity In Aquatics
Adapted Council
Adrienne Wessley & Dr. Monica Lapore
HBCU/HSI/Tribal Council
Danny Russel & Deion D. Dean
Scuba Council
Anesti Vega and Cat Harris
Research Council
Dr. Tiffany Quash and Dr. Angela Beale-Tawfeeq
Swimming Council
Candess Tucker
Triathlon Council
Norman Seavers
Thomas Spann Wellness Council
Julia Spann & Thaddus Gamory
Rowing Council
Brannon Johnson
Student Ambassadors
Jocelyn Nicols and Gloria Mizuto
Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor Training
Through national partnerships—including with the American Red Cross—Diversity in Aquatics offers a full range of certifications: Lifeguard, Lifeguard Instructor, Lifeguard Instructor Trainer (LGIT), Water Safety Instructor (WSI), and Water Safety Instructor Trainer (WSIT). These programs develop life-saving expertise and prepare individuals to teach water safety in schools, camps, and community organizations. Ideal for expanding access to aquatic safety and leadership opportunities.
Organizational Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Training
Our DEI Training is tailored to aquatic professionals seeking to build inclusive and culturally competent spaces. These interactive sessions explore racial equity, access disparities, and unconscious bias, equipping staff and leadership with actionable strategies to foster belonging and representation across all aquatic environments.
Community Water Safety Advocacy Training
The Community Training Program prepares local advocates, educators, and leaders to organize Water Safety Days and Clinics. Participants learn to plan inclusive events, engage partners, promote awareness, and deliver key safety messages. Offered as a standalone workshop or certification track, this training is ideal for grassroots impact in underrepresented communities.
Diversity in Aquatics provides expert curriculum development services tailored to schools, nonprofit organizations, and aquatic programs. From lesson plans and training manuals to culturally responsive water safety modules, we create custom, standards-aligned educational resources that reflect community needs and promote inclusive instruction. Consultations are available for institutions seeking to launch or improve aquatic learning initiatives.
BlueMindfulness™ Aquatics Wellness Training
Our signature BlueMindfulness™ program integrates water-based movement, trauma-informed practice, and mindfulness strategies to support emotional wellness. Designed for aquatic educators, mental health professionals, and youth-serving programs, this training cultivates healing, focus, and resilience through the therapeutic power of water.
Aquatics Policy & Research Services
We offer custom research and policy support to help organizations, municipalities, and advocacy groups understand and address aquatic disparities. Services include community needs assessments, program evaluations, and diversity audits—all aimed at informing data-driven decisions and advancing equity in aquatics.
We partner with schools, nonprofits, and community groups to host water safety festivals, school visits, and public events that promote awareness, access, and inclusion in aquatics. These programs bring lifesaving education directly to the communities most impacted by drowning disparities.
Examples: Pittsburgh Public Schools, Broward County Public Schools, Miami Dade County Public Schools, Atlanta Public Schools, and Baltimore City Public Schools
How to Collect Data on Your Local Communities
We provide step-by-step guidance on gathering, analyzing, and applying local data to design effective aquatic programs. From surveys to demographic mapping, this service helps you better understand your community’s needs and support evidence-based planning.
Curriculum Development & Consultations
Curriculum Development & Custom Consultations
Diversity in Aquatics offers expert insight into aquatics through tailored programs and activities designed for schools, nonprofits, and aquatic organizations to promote water safety and inclusive engagement. Our work spans customized, standards-aligned educational events and initiatives that reflect the unique needs of each community. From Water Safety Education and strategic support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), to impactful Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns and dynamic Aquatic Events and Competitions, we empower institutions to launch and elevate aquatic learning experiences. Our team provides specialized consultations to ensure every initiative is culturally responsive, sustainable, and aligned with best practices in aquatic education.
We provide comprehensive education and training on water safety, including swim lessons, drowning prevention workshops, and nationally recognized safety certifications. These programs are designed to increase water competency, especially in historically underserved communities.
We collaborate with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to establish and enhance aquatic programs that promote swimming proficiency, water safety, and competitive aquatic sports. These initiatives build pathways into aquatic careers and foster cultural change on campus.
Our advocacy campaigns aim to raise awareness about the critical importance of water safety and the historical inequities that contribute to drowning disparities. We address systemic barriers and champion diversity in aquatics professions through storytelling, education, and outreach.
We organize inclusive aquatic events—such as the HBCU Swim Meet, triathlon clinics, and other competitions—that provide platforms for skill development, celebration of talent, and community engagement. These events spotlight underrepresented voices in aquatic sports.
We host a variety of swim clinics, learn-to-swim sessions, and introductory-to-advanced competitive swimming programs. These offerings aim to increase water proficiency and confidence for participants of all ages and backgrounds.
Our Journey
Timeline Entries
Diversity in Aquatics is established by Dr. Shaun Anderson and Jayson Jackson to promote diversity and eliminate disparities in aquatics.
Received a Congressional Record from Hon. Chaka Fattah for impactful work in water safety and community engagement.
Helped establish International Water Safety Day, a global initiative to raise awareness and promote drowning prevention.
Visited St. Croix to host educational programs and community activities in celebration of International Water Safety Day.
Recognized by the Broward County School Board, led by Thaddeus Gamory, for community-based aquatic education and diversity leadership.
Published a special issue of the International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education centered on diversity and inclusion in aquatics.
Presented to MEAC and SWAC Athletic Directors at the Celebration Bowl, advocating for swimming and aquatics programs at HBCUs.
Evolved from a website into a national nonprofit, with expanded focus on water safety, advocacy, and community programming.
Contributed to the U.S. national plan for coordinated water safety action and drowning prevention initiatives.
Hosted inaugural HBCU Swim Meet and Water Safety Festival with Norfolk State University as the first HBCU champions.
Received citywide recognition from Jacksonville, Florida, led by former State Senator Tony Hill, for advancing local water safety programs.
Led by Thaddeus Gamory, conducted awareness campaigns and free swim lessons in Grenada to commemorate World Oceans Day and promote safety on island nations.
Introduced a new swim meet in memory of Harold “Bingo” Head, supporting youth development and honoring a beloved leader in aquatics.
Diversity in Aquatics has made significant strides in expanding access, education, and representation in aquatics. Since partnering with the American Red Cross in 2016, we’ve trained 25 certified Red Cross instructors and trainers, strengthening our national network. That same year, we launched the Annual Excellence In Aquatics Awards to honor trailblazers in the field View Awards →. In partnership with USA Swimming (established March 7, 2022), we continue to elevate diversity in competitive swimming. To date, we have educated over 25,000 youth and families on water safety through festivals, school visits, and virtual outreach. Additionally, $250,000 has been invested in community programming—providing swim lessons, equipment, and training to those most in need. These milestones reflect our commitment to building an inclusive aquatic culture through education, recognition, and sustainable partnerships.
Part of the Launch for the National Water Safety Action Plan - May 2024