Dolphin University | Dolphin U’s Brand

Who we are

The WHY -- Swimming.

This basic life-skill is far too often overlooked in low-income, middle class homes and communities. Sure, on a typical July summer day, you can drive along a Park and Recreation pool and catch sight of kids enjoying the water with friends for a few hours in the sun.

The question begs, are these kids water safe? Can they demonstrate skills of safety if a situation arises in a pool, lake, or bathtub?

A study produced by the CDC in 2014 imparts the ongoing notion that Black kids die at an alarming rate because of unintentional drowning. Unintentional drowning is the second leading cause of mortality among children ages five to fourteen. In low-income communities, this statistic is attributed to the cost of adequate swim lessons, lack of swim school facilities in the area, and the ongoing pandemic of fear. Coupled with the history of swimming pools in these communities being defunded, drained, and shut down after segregation ended, this necessary life skill of water safety has become an afterthought in homes around low-income communities.

Our Mission and Passion

We believe that swimming is an important skill that every child should learn. We place our brand in the heart of areas with the passion to change the world! Our mission is "to conquer the fear of water and promote drowning prevention to every child, every family, and in every neighborhood." Dolphin University offers warm water swim lessons, with each class emphasizing water safety and social development.

Class offerings range from Group (3:1 or 6:1), Semi-Private (2:1), and Private (1:1).

Students may enroll in our Swim School as early as 6 months.

Hope Floats Foundation

Hope Floats partners with high-quality swim schools to provide scholarships for swimming lessons for children living in poverty. Hope Floats raises money by partnering with individuals, businesses, and foundations that want to be a force for good in their communities. Scholarships and tuition assistance is provided to children who might not otherwise be able to afford swim lessons.

USA Swimming Foundation

From swim lessons, to swim teams, to competitive success – the USA Swimming Foundation strives to ensure that every child has the opportunity to start their own journey to be safer in, on and around the water. And once that first step is taken, USA Swimming and the USA Swimming Foundation will be there to support every pull, kick and lap along the way!

Stop Drowning Now

Stop Drowning Now educates to eliminate drowning. We know it is possible, necessary and urgent to reach kids and families. We believe that awareness, skills, knowledge and practice can help parents and kids realize the risks they face, learn how to protect themselves and react effectively if an emergency happens. We invite you to join us and make drowning a distant memory.

Goldman Sachs 10KSB Alumni