History
In 2012, a group of dedicated swimmers formed BBAF to provide safety, health, and lifestyle changes to the young underserved members of our communities. BBAF gives aquatic scholarships for swim lessons, lifeguard training, water polo, and recreational opportunities through pools and programs in our neighborhoods. BBAF endeavors to save lives and change lives through aquatics.
- Two children drown every day
- Swim lessons reduce the risk of drowning by 88%
- Children in minority communities have disproportionately no to low swimming ability
According to USA Swimming Foundation, two-thirds of African-American children, nearly half of Latino children, and four in ten white children have little to no swimming ability. Nearly eight in ten children from households earning less than $50,000 per year have little to no swimming ability. The families BBAF serves need access to a local pool and ease of funding for these vital lessons for the safety, health, and well-being of their children.
BBAF started with one partner provider at a local pool in East Menlo Park serving just under 100 children. In 2019, BBAF provided for 9,100 swim lessons, serving 2,000 children. In addition, BBAF subsidized 1,200 other aquatic lessons. During the 2020 pandemic year, BBAF was able to serve 300 children, providing for 1,200 swim lessons and over 700 hours of other aquatic, physical, and wellness activities.
Since inception, BBAF has grown considerably, impacting 10,600 children, subsidizing 44,500 swim lessons and 9,500 hours of other aquatic activities.
“I’ve been able to reach my full potential in the pool and learned to persevere. Thanks to Beyond Barriers Athletic Foundation I’ve been able to learn to swim, work on my skills, and share them with others.”
– Carlos, BBAF Swimmer & Lifeguard at his local YMCA