Through Waterproofing, over 30,000 New York City public school children have learned how to swim and be safe in the water – free of charge – since 1993. The swimsuits, valued at $36,000, donated courtesy of Swim Free™ and Dolfin swimwear.
“We are very pleased to collaborate with Swim Free™ [that created the innovative Swim Free Angels™] to get the swimsuits in the hands of these deserving children who truly need them,” said Jim Korth, President Dolfin Swimwear.
Carol Tweedy, Executive Director of Asphalt Green, said, “For most children participating in Waterproofing, it will be the first time they own an authentic swimsuit. There is no question that appropriate gear improves athletic performance.” That kind of support is greatly appreciated by those in the swimming community. “We hope this contribution of swimsuits will help these children gain the confidence they need to take lessons and thereby learn to be comfortable and, most importantly, safe in the water,” said Marjorie Spitz, Executive Director of Swim Free™.
Marjorie recently launched the Swim Free Angels™ who help people who are anxious around pools and in the open water. The Angels provide support onshore and in the water, offering encouragement and literally a hand, shoulder or resting area to help others overcome fear of the open water.
Southern California native, born 1962, is the creator of the WOWSA Awards, Oceans Seven, Openwaterpedia, Citrus Corps, World Open Water Swimming Association, Daily News of Open Water Swimming, Global Open Water Swimming Conference. He is Chief Executive Officer of KAATSU Global and KAATSU Research Institute. Inductee in the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Swimmer, Class of 2001) and Ice Swimming Hall of Fame (Honor Contributor - Media, Class of 2019), recipient of the International Swimming Hall of Fame's Poseidon Award (2016), International Swimming Hall of Fame's Irving Davids-Captain Roger Wheeler Memorial Award (2010), USA Swimming's Glen S. Hummer Award (2007, 2010) and Harvard University's John B. Imrie Award (1984). Served on the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and as Technical Delegate with the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, and 9-time USA Swimming coaching staff. Note: WOWSA only recommends products or services used or recommended by the community. WOWSA does not receive compensation for links or products mentioned on this site or in blog posts. If it does, it will be indicated clearly on that specific post. See WOWSA's privacy policy for more information.