Water water everywhere, but not a class in sight

This summer could have been a catastrophe for water safety in the Lake Washington region. In addition to navigating the challenges of a national lifeguard shortage, there has been a shortage of swim instructors, causing some public and private aquatic centers to see well over 1,000 people on the waitlist for learn-to-swim classes. With limited hours and programming at pools due to a lack of qualified staff, public beaches became the best option for many people to keep cool during the heat waves. The result was larger numbers of people swimming in the open water at unguarded beaches in high risk swimming conditions and fewer resources for people to learn how to do so safely.

SPLASHForward believes that everyone should have access to safe inclusive aquatic facilities and programs that build essential life skills like water safety. 

Lifeguards are essential to public safety. In addition to advocating for the creation of more best-in-class aquatics facilities, SPLASHForward directly participates in filling our community’s lifeguard gap by recruiting and supporting training for new lifeguards. 

This summer, SPLASHForward hosted a recruitment incentive program for lifeguards hired by the City of Bellevue and a bonus encouraging Eastside high school students to bring their friends into the program. With innovative solutions like this, we have helped place over 70 students in lifeguard training to date. More than 55 students recruited by SPLASHForward were able to work as lifeguards this summer. Lifeguarded pools and beaches are the lowest risk swimming conditions in King County. As the numbers show, it’s time to build and invest in new public pools.

Join the Pool Party this Giving Tuesday, and make a tax deductible donation to SPLASHForward!

Thanks to a generous group of donors the first $3,750 in donations we receive today will be matched, dollar for dollar.

For every donation of $150 or greater, you will receive a SPLASHForward t-shirt of your choice!

Your gift will impact the lifeguard gap and support more equitable access to water safety resources to recruit and facilitate training for more lifeguards and swim instructors. 



Help us raise $10,000 and meet our $3,750 challenge match today so we can continue building our SPLASHForward team and support our efforts to build a healthier, stronger, and safer communities.

Together we will create a future where everyone is safe around water.

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