This was my seventh international swim outreach. At this point, I know my place- Just add water! That is where the magic happens for me. On land, not so much. I leave the logistics to Alissa, who can strategize anything, anywhere, with anyone. If I am on land, I just look around for individuals that are in need of a healthier relationship with water- and I get them in it! I am also useful when it comes to filming Alissa and Peri on their crazy adventures, spotting sea creatures on our morning swims, and attracting mosquitoes from miles away to feast on me. This summer, my goal was to not have any flip flops stolen from dogs- and I succeeded!

I am so honored to have returned to the Bahamian Island of Eleuthera this past summer with this dream team of amazing women and am always excited to be reunited with our Eleuthera family. This was my sixth Learn to Swim Outreach Trip (Honduras twice and now Eleuthera, four times). I am honored to serve as the team chef and snack agent, left side of the road driver, logistical whirlwind, gatherer of supplies and funds, dryland curriculum creator, organizer of our mandatory morning swims, lifeguard and passionate strategist, solutionist and program evaluator. Thank you for believing in us and supporting our efforts. Together, we are saving lives.

This summer was my fourth trip to Eleuthera, where I can use my skills as a swim coach and water safety advocate. Growing up on the Texas coast in a family that enjoyed boating, fishing and beach began my lifelong love of the water. As a teenager and young adult, I taught many children to swim both in a private setting and at the local public pool where I was also a lifeguard. More recently I have coached adult triathletes and taught swimming to some important “littles” in my life. I believe everyone should be able to safely enjoy the bodies of water in their environment and am honored to have had the opportunity to return to Eleuthera and assist Swim Kim and Alissa with the Learn to Swim program.