Making Waves with Watermelon Swim this Holiday Season
How Watermelon Swim is changing lives in and out of the Pool
The holidays are a time for giving, and at Watermelon Swim, giving back to the community is as natural as making a splash. This season, Watermelon Swim continues its long-standing tradition of spreading joy through its annual Giving Tree program, while also offering a life-saving gift that lasts long after the holidays are over: the gift of swim.
For nearly five decades, Watermelon Swim has been a trusted part of the Tampa Bay community, teaching millions of lessons that empower children to be safer and more confident around water. Each December, the team turns its focus outward, helping local families in need through giving initiatives that reflect the heart of our mission: to create a community of safer swimmers.
More Than a Lesson: A Lifelong Gift
The Give the Gift of Swim fund helps provide swim lessons to families who might not otherwise have access. These lessons aren’t just about fun in the pool; they’re about saving lives. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), drowning remains the leading cause of accidental death for children under five. However, formal, continuous swim lessons can reduce that risk by up to 88%.
“Water safety isn’t just for summertime; it’s a life skill,” said Micha Seal, CEO of Watermelon Swim. “In Florida, water is part of our everyday life. Pools, beaches and lakes are all around us. That’s why our responsibility to protect children can’t take a break when summer ends. Year-round swim lessons build confidence and help keep children safer every day.”
Spreading Cheer: One Tag at a Time
Watermelon Swim’s Giving Tree program has become a beloved local tradition. Each holiday season, families can visit any Watermelon Swim location to select a tag from the tree, each representing a child or family in need. Donations help provide everything from clothing and toys to meals and swim lessons for families across Tampa Bay.
“Seeing our lobby fill with gifts and kindness each year is incredibly special,” Seal says. “The Giving Tree reminds us that we are all connected. We’re here to keep children safer in the water, yes, but we’re also here to lift families up.”
How You Can Get Involved
Families who want to give back can stop by any Watermelon Swim location to pick a tag from the Giving Tree or visit watermelonswim.com/gift-swim to purchase a gift certificate or donate to the Give the Gift of Swim fund.
With locations in Lutz, South Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Riverview and Brooksville, Watermelon Swim continues to spread its mission of creating a community of safer swimmers while spreading holiday joy.
The world is 70% water, and kids are 100% curious. The best gift you can give this season is the one that truly lasts a lifetime.
Swim lessons save lives.
Presented by Watermelon Swim
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