The 2025 Diversity in Aquatics HBCU Celebration Weekend will take place December 12–13 at Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA, honoring the legacy and future of aquatics at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. While there were once more than 20 HBCU swim, dive, water polo, and rowing programs, today Howard University remains the only HBCU with a swim and dive team, underscoring the importance of this gathering.

The weekend begins Friday, December 12, with the Harold “Bingo” Head Water Safety Festival and Developmental Swim Meet, an event designed for both new and experienced swimmers to learn water safety, connect with community resources, and enjoy friendly competition. On Saturday, December 13, the HBCU Celebration Swim Meet will bring together current students, alumni, and supporters for a day of spirited races, including relays and individual events, to celebrate and highlight the role of swimming within HBCUs. Both days emphasize community, education, and the vital role HBCUs can play in addressing drowning disparities and building pathways into aquatic sports.

International Water Safety Day is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about the ongoing drowning pandemic and educating youth on how to stay safe in and around water. In partnership with the International Water Safety Foundation, this event highlights the critical need for water safety education and the promotion of lifesaving skills across communities worldwide. Together, we are committed to spreading knowledge and resources that can prevent drownings and save lives.

By participating in International Water Safety Day, you join a global movement to ensure that every child has the tools to be safer in aquatic environments. We encourage schools, organizations, and individuals to take part in this important day and help make a meaningful impact on water safety awareness. Together, we can turn the tide on drowning prevention and build a safer, more informed future for all.