Connecting Communities Through Aquatics

Learn about our mission, history, and impact on communities worldwide.
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Diversity in Aquatics

Diversity in Aquatics is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting water safety, education, and inclusion in aquatic spaces, especially for historically underrepresented and underserved communities. Through strategic partnerships, innovative programming, and culturally relevant outreach, we work to reduce drowning disparities and expand access to lifesaving aquatic opportunities. From swim lessons to lifeguard training and community events, our impact is seen in the lives we touch and the awareness we raise—empowering individuals and families to feel confident, safe, and welcome in, on, and around the water.
About

Our Mission

Diversity in Aquatics aims to educate, promote, and support swimming, water safety, and healthy aquatic activities for underserved, marginalized, and vulnerable populations. We are committed to eliminating drowning disparities and increasing representation in aquatics by creating inclusive opportunities, building community partnerships, and fostering lifelong skills that empower individuals to be safe, confident, and engaged around the water.
About

Our Core Values

Diversity in Aquatics is grounded in integrity, inclusivity, empowerment, and community. We foster a culture that champions access and equity in aquatics for all. Our values guide purposeful actions to uplift underrepresented communities, promote water safety, and inspire leadership, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive in and around the water.
About

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

Meet the Leaders Behind Diversity In Aquatics

Terri Freeland

Director of Partnerships and Expansion

Thaddeus Gamory IMG

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 IMG

Eric Walton

CPA

Kelsey Roberson-Executive Administrative Assistant

Kelsey Roberson

Administrative Assistant

Our Board of Directors

Expert leadership driving our mission.

Dr. Miriam S Lynch IMG

Dr. Miriam Lynch

Executive Director

tara eggleston stewart IMG

Tara Eggleston Stewart

Chairperson,
Director of Recreation and Parks of Montgomery County

Dr. Angela Beale

Dr. Angela Beale-Tawfeeq

Vice Chairperson,
Associate Professor at Rowan University

John Abdou - Board Member

John Abdou

Senior Athletic Director, UC Irvine

Stephanie Elam - Board Member

Stefanie Elam

CNN Worldwide

OLY Cullen Jones - Board Member IMG

Cullen Jones

2 x Olympian

secenario jones

Secenario Jones

Program Manager for AmerisourceBergen

OLY Maritza McClendon

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

Adrienne WesleyLepore

Adapted Council

Adrienne Wessley & Dr. Monica Lapore

danielrusselldeiondean

HBCU/HSI/Tribal Council

Danny Russel & Deion D. Dean

Anesti Vega - Headshotcatherineharris

Scuba Council

Anesti Vega and Cat Harris

Dr. Tiffany Quash IMGDr. Angela Beale

Research Council

Dr. Tiffany Quash and Dr. Angela Beale-Tawfeeq

candess tucker

Swimming Council

Candess Tucker

norman-seavers

Triathlon Council

Norman Seavers

JuliaSpannThaddeus Gamory IMG

Thomas Spann Wellness Council

Julia Spann & Thaddus Gamory

brannonjohnson

Rowing Council

Brannon Johnson

Student Ambassadors

Jocelyn Nicols and Gloria Mizuto

Services
Trainings and Certifications

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.

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.

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Research

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.

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.

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Curriculum Development 
& 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.

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Our Journey

Timeline Entries

25 in 2025
Our 2025 strategy focuses on “25 in 2025”—training instructors, educating 25,000 on water safety, and expanding programs to empower diverse communities nationwide through aquatics.
0K
Youth and families educated on Water Safety
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Trained Red Cross Instructions & Trainers as a part of our network
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Spend to Support Communities with Water Safety
Our Successes

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

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