PROGRAMS
Making Waves
Swimming is a life-saving and nature-embracing skill.
Outdoor Afro created Making Waves in 2019 because research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention consistently shows Black children ages 10 to 14 drown in swimming pools at a rate more than 8 times that of white peers, and 63% of Black adults have never had swim lessons. This public health disparity reflects a broader, multigenerational public health challenge, shaped by decades of segregation from public pools and beaches that limited access to swim education and water safety across families and communities.
"As an avid angler and outdoorsman myself, I can’t begin to fathom all the joy I would have missed out on or the dangers I would have subjected myself to had my parents not ‘waterproofed’ us as kids," said Making Waves supporter Milton Reynolds. "This campaign offers such a powerful gift of freedom, agency, wellness, and possibility."
Swimmership Counter
3,200
About The Program
Making Waves also aims to help Black families and communities develop a positive relationship with water. To reclaim our legacy and strengthen relationships with water, Outdoor Afro is covering the cost of beginner swim lessons for families and individuals across the country. We aim to ensure that Black children, adults and elders learn this life-saving skill while unlocking the joy of water.
As we build confidence and connection in the water together, we also deepen our relationship with the natural world. This connection is an essential pathway to long term care, stewardship, and advocacy for our waterways, coastlines, and outdoor spaces. Through Making Waves, Outdoor Afro is nurturing a future where communities feel not only safe and supported in nature, but also empowered to protect and preserve it for generations to come.
Bryson's Story
Meet Outdoor Afro's first Swimmership™ recipient.
Watch Bryson's story to learn his motivation to learn how to swim. Advice for first-time swimmers:
Making Waves is powered by a collective commitment:
✨ Families who take the first step toward learning
✨ Swim vendors who provide trusted instruction and local access
✨ Donors who fund opportunities and expand reach
Together, this network creates pathways for individuals and families to feel supported, prepared, and at ease in the water.
How It Works For Swimmerships
1. Connect with a Swim Vendor
Explore our network of trusted Making Waves swim vendors and choose one in your area. Reach out directly and share your interest in receiving a Making Waves swimmership (a swim scholarship).
2. Request a Swimmership
Your selected swim vendor will walk you through the next steps and submit the request to Outdoor Afro on your behalf.
3. Begin Your Lessons
Once approved, your swim lessons are supported through donor funded scholarships, allowing you to focus on building comfort, confidence, and connection with water.
If you don’t see a swim vendor in your community, you can recommend one to join Making Waves and help expand access for yourself and others.
Program FAQs
A: The Making Waves Program centers and prioritizes Black children and their caregivers. Our aim is to remove barriers of access to introductory-beginner swim lessons and to ensure this life-saving skill. Please scroll up and read more about the program. Adults and children qualify.
A: You must be 18+ to submit a Swim Vendor Partner Application via our mobile app. If you are under 18, your parents or guardian should submit the application.
A: Outdoor Afro partners with swim providers nationwide to fund water safety and beginner swim lessons. Click here for a list of our trusted partners.
Please note that Making Waves swimmerships are only applicable to a single series of introductory or beginner swim lessons. Swimmerships cannot be used to cover the cost of intermediate or advanced swim lessons.
A: Outdoor Afro aspires to reach as many Black children and families as we can in every community in America. To do this, we need great swim vendor partners. If you’re interested and mission-aligned, please submit your request to become a swim vendor partner with Making Waves through our mobile app. If your application is approved, Outdoor Afro will follow up with you to complete the process. Please review terms and conditions on the application form prior to submission.
A: Upon approval of your Swim Vendor Application, Outdoor Afro will inform you of the initial swimmership award.
*Disclaimer: We cannot guarantee a specific number of swimmerships (vendor or individual) in any given year. swimmerships are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis based on approved applications.
Become a Making Waves Swim Vendor
Are you passionate about water safety and expanding access in your community? Join us as an official Making Waves swim vendor.
To get started, download our app and submit your application. As part of the process, you’ll be asked to provide:
1. Certificate of Insurance
2. W-9
3. Proof of swim instructor certification
We’re looking to partner with vendors who:
• Are committed to helping save lives through water safety
• Have consistent access to a pool
• Can offer a full beginner-level swim series aligned with American Red Cross guidelines
Please note: Outdoor Afro covers the cost of lessons as listed on your website.