Annual
Impact Report
Empowering Communities through Water Safety: Aqua Angels Impact Report 2023
water safety Landscape
For many adults, learning to swim presents a unique set of challenges that extend beyond physical skill development. Anxiety, fear of water, and past negative experiences can create significant barriers to entering the water and embracing the learning process. Cultural factors, limited access to affordable swim lessons, and misconceptions about age and ability further compound these obstacles. Additionally, the stigma surrounding adult non-swimmers can contribute to feelings of embarrassment and reluctance to seek instruction.
As a result, many adults in our communities remain hesitant to engage with water-related activities, limiting their opportunities for recreation, exercise, and essential water safety knowledge.
Why our work matters
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 37% of American adults are unable to swim the length of a standard pool. This statistic underscores the critical need for initiatives like Aqua Angels, which aims to address this gap in water safety education.
By providing accessible swim lessons and empowering individuals with essential skills, we strive to reduce this statistic and prevent water-related accidents and drowning incidents in our communities.
Mission
Our mission is to provide affordable and accessible swim lessons and lifesaving certifications for adult communities in Upstate South Carolina, fostering confidence, empowerment, and a lifelong love for aquatic activities.
Vision
Our vision is to help people from all communities overcome fears and anxieties about jumping into the deep end.
Aqua Angels Nonprofit envisions a community where water safety is accessible to everyone, empowering individuals to overcome fears and enjoy the many physical and mental health benefits of swimming.
Our Programs
1
Summer
Swim Classes
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8-week summer swim course designed to teach participants how to swim in 12 feet of water
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Aqua Angels recruits and trains volunteer swim instructors
2
Fall
Swim Classes
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8-week summer swim course designed to teach participants how to swim in 12 feet of water
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Aqua Angels recruits and trains volunteer swim instructors
3
Spring
Swim Classes
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8-week summer swim course designed to teach participants how to swim in 12 feet of water
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Aqua Angels recruits and trains volunteer swim instructors
2023 Outcomes
264+ Registrants
100+ Participants
7+ volunteer swim instructors
Received national recognition from the American Red Cross
Feature on WYFF4
$5,000 in grassroots community fundraising
Partners
Crunch Fitness
YMCA
Brookside Pool
American Red Cross of South Carolina
Upstate Splash
Greenville Splash
Greenville County Aquatics Complex
Accomplishments since we started in 2021
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Awarded The Greenville Community Hero Award 2021 by the Greenville News and Greenville Federal Credit Union.
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Provided affordable swim lessons to over 1,500 adults and counting, including upwards of 95% women since inception.
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Conducted outreach programs to address barriers to water safety education, such as fear and financial constraints.
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Formed partnerships with the Greenville YMCA’s offering our Aqua Angels Swim lessons at the Eastside Family YMCA and Caine Halter YMCA.
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Built a supportive network of volunteers, instructors, and community partners committed to our mission.
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Featured on WYFF News Channel 4 in summer 2021, 2022 and 2023 (exclusive story for '4 The Record').
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Formed Partnership with the American Red Cross to further Promote health and wellness through aquatic activities and American Red Cross courses, contributing to a healthier and more confident community.
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Chosen for the Red Cross’s feature for Water Safety Month in 2022.
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Recognized Nationally by the American Red Cross and featured in their social media campaign called “Stories that Inspire” .
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Won Fuel for Good Marketing Grant, valued at $10k.
