Year One
In August 2022, Swim to Success launched its first program, serving 18 children from migrant families in Baja California, Mexico. Our team of 11 volunteers—including instructors, translators, and lifeguards—worked together to introduce essential water safety skills in a supportive environment.
We began with interactive safety lessons and gradually helped children build comfort in the water through breathing exercises and guided practice. As their confidence grew, students learned foundational skills like the back float, first on land and then in the water with support before practicing independently.
By the end of the program, the growth was remarkable—children who were once afraid to enter the water were confidently floating and fully submerging themselves. This first year laid the foundation for the life-changing impact of Swim to Success.
Year Two
In August 2023, Swim to Success expanded its impact, providing over 60 children in Baja California, Mexico with the gift of swimming. Our team also grew, welcoming instructors from the Wings Project and strengthening our ability to serve more students. Building on our first year, we continued to emphasize water safety through interactive lessons and demonstrations before moving into the water. Children developed confidence through activities like blowing bubbles and guided movement, while progressing from back floats to front floats with instructor support. We incorporated group games, such as water baseball, to reinforce skills in a fun and engaging way. The program concluded with “show and tell” moments, where students proudly demonstrated their progress. The growth was incredible—what began as hesitation turned into excitement, confidence, and a genuine love for the water.
Year Three
In August 2024, Swim to Success continued to deepen its impact, not only in skill development but in relationships. Throughout the week, we worked closely with 40 children, and on Friday, we were reunited with the migrant children from previous years, allowing us to reconnect and witness their continued growth.
Each day ended with a special tradition of celebrating the children’s hard work with ice cream, creating moments of joy that strengthened our sense of community. In the water, the progress was undeniable. Returning students built on their existing skills, showing increased confidence and ability, while new students quickly developed foundational techniques with support from our team. By the end of the week, some students were even helping teach their peers showcasing their growth and confidence. Year three was a reminder that with consistency, care, and opportunity, these children don’t just learn, they lead.
Year Four
In August 2025, Swim to Success continued to grow, serving 50 children in Baja California, Mexico. Each child received a “goody bag” filled with essentials—including towels, a bathing suit, goggles, a coloring book, and crayons—ensuring they had both the tools and confidence to participate fully. In the water, the growth was incredible. Through games and guided instruction, students built their skills while developing a genuine love for being in the pool—many not wanting to leave at the end of each day. We continued our ice cream tradition, celebrating their hard work and creating lasting memories together. At the end of the program, the children expressed their gratitude through beautiful handmade cards, a heartfelt reminder of the impact of the week.
Year four was filled with joy, growth, and connection—showing how far Swim to Success has come and the lives it continues to touch.
Partnerships
