By: Yolanda Pawar
On June 26, 2025, the One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) proudly joined a global movement to promote water safety, as sixty-nine students from the OEF Learn to Swim summer program participated in the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson (WLSL)—a coordinated international event aimed at raising awareness about water safety and drowning prevention.
A Growing Annual Tradition in Eleuthera
In what has now become an annual tradition, program participants once again joined a global network of thousands of swimmers, coaches, and enthusiasts, uniting for a common cause: to raise awareness about water safety and to reduce the risk of drowning.
OEF Leadership Applauds Community Participation
“The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson is a meaningful platform for advancing global awareness around water safety,” said Keyron Smith, President and CEO of OEF. “We are honored to be part of this international initiative and proud of the students who have embraced this challenge with determination and courage through our Learn to Swim program. Their achievements reflect the transformative power of community-driven programs and the value of teaching skills that will last a lifetime.”
Five Years of Impact: Learn to Swim Program Milestones
Now in its fifth year, OEF’s Learn to Swim program continues to provide free, high-quality swim instruction to children and adults on Eleuthera, equipping them with vital swimming skills. With the dedicated support of sixteen trained instructors, junior coaches, and volunteers, led by Allison Dean, a highly experienced swimming instructor, head coach, and CEO of Lightning Aquatics, this year’s program has provided four weeks of guided instruction and a positive outlet for youth. Under Coach Dean’s leadership, the program continues to deliver vital skills to safeguard Eleuthera’s communities.
International Support Strengthens Local Initiative
Participation in this year’s WLSL event was coordinated by US-based volunteers, Kim Shults, Allisa Magrum, and Peri Kowal, members of the US nonprofit, Face In Water. The trio has been investing their time and exceptional talents volunteering with the Learn to Swim program for four consecutive years, while providing invaluable resources, supplies, and training materials. This initiative not only emphasized the importance of swimming as a life-saving skill but also celebrated the personal growth and confidence gained by this year’s cohort of enthusiastic swimming students.
Transformative Results for Eleuthera’s Youth
As the Learn to Swim program comes to a close, the progress of its young participants is evident. What began with hesitant steps into the pool has evolved into self-assured strokes and newfound enthusiasm. The program continues to serve as a critical intervention in a nation surrounded by water, where swimming is not just a recreational skill but a matter of safety and survival.
Cristina Pennerman, a parent from Rock Sound, shared how the program has transformed her eight-year-old son’s relationship with the water:
“Dwight used to be so afraid of the water that he never wanted to go in. Even at the beach, he would stay on the sand. But now, seeing him swimming with confidence is such a beautiful change. It’s clear that he trusts what he’s learned, and that gives me so much comfort. Knowing that he’s comfortable in the water and knows how to float and keep himself safe makes me so proud. The best part is seeing how confident he is in himself now. That’s everything.”
OEF’s Continued Commitment to Youth and Community Development
OEF’s Learn to Swim initiative remains a core component of its commitment to community and youth development. Through strategic partnerships, experienced instruction, and consistent community engagement, OEF’s Learn to Swim Program continues to empower the next generation with life-saving swimming skills, confidence, and the crucial knowledge needed to stay safe in and around water.
