Diversity in Aquatics
- A Network to Help
Save Lives
Our National Partners:
Diversity in Aquatics:
Who We Are
Diversity in Aquatics (DIA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting water safety, drowning prevention, and equitable access to aquatics for historically underrepresented and underserved communities. Our mission is to save lives by empowering individuals through education, advocacy, and participation in aquatic activities.
At the heart of DIA is a commitment to inclusion, representation, and cultural awareness. We believe that everyone, regardless of race, background, or ability, deserves the opportunity to enjoy the water safely and confidently.
What sets us apart is our deep-rooted connection to the communities we serve, our partnerships with educators and aquatic professionals, and our innovative programs that combine culturally relevant outreach with lifesaving water skills.
Together, we’re creating a world where water is a source of joy, opportunity, and safety for all because everyone should have the chance to learn how to swim, and nobody should drown.
Diversity in Aquatics offers a range of impactful programs designed to save lives and build stronger, safer communities. Our swimming lessons and water safety education initiatives equip individuals, especially youth from underrepresented backgrounds, with the knowledge and skills needed to stay safe in, on, and around water. We provide lifeguard training and certifications through partnerships with leading organizations, creating career pathways and increasing representation in aquatics. Our work is rooted in the rich history of aquatic excellence in diverse communities and the urgent need to address drowning disparities. Through advocacy efforts, we champion policies and partnerships that promote equitable access to aquatic resources, facilities, and instruction. Whether through school-based programs, community festivals, or national collaborations, Diversity in Aquatics is committed to fostering a culture of safety, empowerment, and inclusion, ensuring everyone can thrive in aquatic environments.
Provide Training and Certifications
Equip individuals with lifesaving skills through certified courses in adaptive, swimming, lifeguarding, and water safety techniques.
Financial and Resource Support
Offer funding support and resources to improve water safety facilities and implement effective aquatic safety programs.
Community Ambassadors
Empower local volunteers to advocate for water safety, spreading awareness and education within their own neighborhoods and communities.
Workshops and Events
Host free or low-cost water safety workshops/clinics, covering aquatic safety, swimming skills, advocacy, aquatic history, and CPR/First Aid.
"Thank you for coming to Brashear High School for the water safety lesson. Your team did a fantastic job engaging our students and discussing essential water safety topics, and the importance of swimming and staying safe around the water. Students were able to relate to the diverse speakers. The lesson was a great complement to our existing swim program, and it was clear that your approach made a meaningful impact. Additionally, we appreciate the encouragement of the students to participate on a swim team and the benefits of swimming.We appreciate the opportunity to work with you and hope to collaborate again, especially with our other 9th-grade students. Thanks again for your time and dedication to our community, for sharing your story and working with our students. "
Kelley Gavlik
Bashear HS After a Water Safety Event
"We deeply appreciate our partnership with Diversity in Aquatics for International Water Safety Day. From planning to execution, the care for each participant was superb. Parents received vital American Red Cross training, while youth gained water safety skills and learned how to have fun safely in the pool at Butler University."
Shira Amos
Community Director - One America Financial Foundation
"Since the very beginning, Diversity in Aquatics has been an unwavering source of support for Johnnie Means Aquatics. Three years ago, when we set out to build a swim team at a historically Black college and continue the legacy of legendary Coach Johnnie Means at Texas Southern University, DIA was there, offering not just encouragement but hands-on leadership in program development, event coordination, and community engagement. Their partnership has been instrumental in every step of our journey—from laying the foundation of our team to today, where we celebrated International Water Safety Day by reaching over 230 kids with lifesaving water safety education. This milestone would not have been possible without DIA's guidance and their coordination in bringing Howard University’s Swim and Dive athletes to help lead the initiative. Diversity in Aquatics isn’t just a partner; they are a catalyst for change, helping to shape a more inclusive, empowered future in aquatics for communities like ours."
Candess Tucker
Jonnie Means Aquatics. After a Water Safety Event
"Partnering with Diversity In Aquatics has been a powerful force in expanding our impact through Get Grenada Swimming. Their support in bringing dedicated instructors from all over the United States and facilitating generous donations of swimsuits is helping us make a lasting impact. Together, we are creating life-saving opportunities and building a culture of water safety and confidence across the island."
Deb Eastwood
Get Grenada Swimming
"At Blazn Aquatics, we believe every child deserves access to swimwear and the opportunity to feel confident in the water. Partnering with Diversity In Aquatics allowed us to ensure our donated suits reached the communities that needed them most. Knowing that these donations are helping eliminate barriers and support programs that save lives is exactly why we do what we do"
Blaise
Founder of Blazn Aquatics
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1–4 and a top cause for teens, with Black youth ages 5–19 drowning in swimming pools at rates 5.5 times higher than their white peers (CDC). Despite this, access to swim lessons and aquatic opportunities remains unequal. Diversity in Aquatics is working to change that through education, advocacy, and community engagement.
News & Updates
Diversity in Aquatics Expands Water Safety Initiatives to the Caribbean, Transforms Lives Across the Diaspora
Groundbreaking Program Reaches 150+ Youths as Organization Expands Life-Saving Mission from US to Caribbean...
From Loss to Leadership: Miriam Lynch’s Dedication to Water Safety
The journey to becoming a six-time Howard University swimming record holder, a board member of the USA Swimming National Diversity Committee...
USA Water Polo and Diversity in Aquatics Help to Launch Co-ed Water Polo Team at Howard University
Howard University's swim and dive team, USA Water Polo and Diversity In Aquatics have joined forces to support the relaunch of the university's co-ed water polo team...
Join us in making a difference! Whether you volunteer your time, make a donation, or become a member, your support helps us provide lifesaving water safety education and increase access to aquatics in our communities. Together, we can create safer, more inclusive spaces in and around the water.