Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions answered here.
Diversity in Aquatics is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting inclusion, safety, and access across all aquatic disciplines. We focus on reducing drowning disparities and increasing aquatic participation among historically underserved and underrepresented communities.
Our mission is to increase water safety awareness, aquatic education, and participation in aquatic activities, sports, and professions by fostering diversity, inclusion, and equity in the aquatic space.
Diversity in Aquatics was founded in 2010 by Dr. Angela Beale and Dr. Shaun Anderson, both passionate advocates for water safety and representation in aquatic environments.
We primarily serve Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and other communities of color, as well as underserved populations who face barriers to aquatic access, education, and resources.
You can get involved by volunteering, attending events, becoming a member, donating, or collaborating with us on programs and initiatives. Visit our “Get Involved” page to learn more.
We offer a range of programs, including swim clinics, certification classes, water safety education, lifeguard training, learn-to-swim programs, aquatic events, HBCU partnerships, and professional development in aquatic careers.
Visit our locations page to find current offerings and links to an aquatics program near you. If one is not yet in your area, check back or reach out by filling out the form—we’re connecting people every day to resources in their area.
Many of our programs and events are hosted in specific regions, but we offer virtual education, online resources, and partnerships that extend globally.
Yes! Our programs and events are inclusive of all ages, from young children to adults, and we strive to make every program accessible and adaptive for all abilities.
We offer lifeguard certification programs, support for lifeguards who qualify to become Lifeguard Trainers, and community-based initiatives that prepare and empower individuals to enter professional aquatic roles.
We host events such as the HBCU Swim Meet, swim clinics, conferences, and International Water Safety Day activities. For the latest schedule, check our Events Calendar.
Join us by hosting an event, sharing resources with your organization and community, attending our programs, or helping raise awareness on social media. Our website has details and toolkits.
We welcome collaborations! Reach out via our Contact or Partner With Us pages to propose a joint event, workshop, or initiative.
Absolutely! We train and guide all volunteers, and everyone has a role, from registration to community engagement.
Water safety is essential for preventing drownings, which disproportionately affect underrepresented communities due to systemic barriers and a lack of access to swimming and water safety education.
Common barriers include lack of access to pools, swim lessons, generational fear, economic disparities, cultural disconnects, and limited community aquatic infrastructure.
Explore our Water Safety page, download educational materials, or attend one of our training sessions to learn about current best practices.
Call emergency services immediately. If trained, provide assistance such as CPR or rescue techniques. Always prioritize personal safety before attempting a rescue.
Our partners include universities, aquatic organizations, health and safety agencies, nonprofits, and corporations that share our commitment to equity in aquatics.
Visit our Partner With Us page to learn about sponsorship levels, impact opportunities, and how to collaborate on community programming.
Yes! We offer consulting, curriculum development, joint programming, and promotional support for aligned organizations and community partners.
Visit our Donate page to make a one-time or recurring gift online. Every donation supports our mission to create safer, more inclusive aquatic communities.
Members receive access to exclusive events, newsletters, training opportunities, and a community network committed to aquatic diversity and safety.
Donations fund swim programs, educational campaigns, lifeguard certifications, community outreach, scholarships, and operational support.
Yes. Diversity in Aquatics is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All eligible donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
We’ve helped reduce drowning rates, trained hundreds of lifeguards, launched HBCU swim programs, and reached thousands through education and outreach.
Yes, visit our Testimonials or Impact Stories page to hear directly from participants, families, and partners whose lives have been changed by our work.
We track participation rates, certifications earned, partnerships formed, and community reach. We also collect stories and feedback from those we serve.
Sign up for our newsletter, follow us on social media, and check our website regularly for announcements, event updates, and program launches.
Visit our Awards page to learn about the Excellence in Aquatics Awards, past recipients, and how to submit a nomination.
Yes. We offer workshops and customized curriculum development for educators, coaches, and community leaders to teach water safety effectively.
Yes. We collaborate with national partners such as USA Swimming, American Red Cross, and other industry leaders in water safety and aquatic sports.
Absolutely. Our team speaks at conferences, schools, and community forums. Use our Contact form to request a speaker or facilitator.