Giving Back to Those Who Served
Water safety and healing go hand in hand.
Every Saturday Morning
FAST Swim Program partners with the Wounded Warrior Project to teach veterans how to swim. Every Saturday morning, veterans gather at Cimarrone CPOA for lessons tailored to their needs. More than 20 Wounded Warriors have learned to swim through the program so far.
- Many veterans never learned to swim or developed a fear of water from difficult early experiences
- The life jacket method builds confidence by removing the fear of drowning from the start
- Veterans learn not only for themselves but to enjoy water activities with their families
- Sessions are supportive, encouraging, and adapted to each veteran's abilities
See the Program in Action
Watch our veterans building confidence and having fun in the water.
"They are people who put a lot of time and effort in for our country, but it's also something that I'm passionate about. I want many, many people to learn how to swim properly." Linda Bolger, Ms. Bubbles
What Our Veterans Say
Real stories from veterans who conquered their fear of water.
Navy Veteran, 27 years of service
"Fear played a large role in why I didn't know how to swim. I was born in Jamaica and grew up in Fort Lauderdale by the beaches and spent 27 years in the Navy and wasn't fluent in swimming, so this is a great opportunity for me."
Veteran
"We were going to these Caribbean areas, and I would stay away from the water, and it was because of the fear of the water. I just basically opened myself up and said, 'This time, I'm going to do it.'"
Marine Corps Veteran
"I moved from New Jersey to Florida, and I have three kids. I thought it was important for them to learn how to swim so I felt like I need to learn how as well. Being out here in the water has shown me what I can and cannot do, but also it's giving me the confidence to be able to show my kids that they can do it, too."
Wounded Warrior Project
"Time and time again, warriors in their younger lives got taught how to swim the wrong way and that fear stays with them for years and years and years. We're trying to eliminate that fear by wearing that buoyancy aid and then confidence. It's just empowering to see the smiles on their faces."
Join Us Every Saturday
Sessions are open to all veterans through the Wounded Warrior Project.
Cimarrone CPOA
2801 Cimarrone Blvd
St. Johns County, FL 32259
Every Saturday morning. All equipment and life jackets provided at no cost.
As Featured on News4JAX
Our Wounded Warriors swim program was featured on News4JAX's Positively JAX segment, sharing the stories of veterans who overcame their fear of water.
Watch the StoryWant to Get Involved?
Whether you are a veteran interested in learning to swim, or someone who wants to support our mission, we would love to hear from you. Contact Ms. Bubbles to learn more about the program.