HOW IT ALL STARTED
"My mission is to save lives by giving every kid in America the opportunity to learn how to swim."
- Charlie Chamouille -
- Ten people per day die from drowning in the USA. One out of five are kids under the age of 14.
- 80% of kids from families making less than $50,000 per year have next to zero swimming ability.
- Social research has shown that racial and economic barriers, trust barriers, and racial issues contribute to kids having next to zero swimming ability.
THE SOLUTIONS:
- Educate, empower, and inspire kids along with their families through the magic of swimming.
- Give more kids exposure to water in and around their hometowns communities.
- One month of formal swimming lessons saves lives! It costs only $50 and reduces the risk of drowning by almost 90%.
"JUST SWIM IT (JSI) isn't just about swimming. It's about keeping kids and families safe and sound."
- Charlie Chamouille -
WHO WE ARE:
JUST SWIM IT was founded by competitive swimmer Charlie Chamouille from Orange County, California. She was deeply affected when her younger brother fell into a backyard hot tub and almost drowned at a very young age. But it was not until she met people from the USA Swimming Foundation at the Phillips 66 National Championships that she decided to take action. She took all the money from her piggy bank and started making and selling swim caps to raise money for the USA Swimming Foundation.
"I just want every kid to have at least a day at the pool, getting in the water, and having fun while learning to be safe."
- Charlie Chamouille -
THE FUTURE:
Charlie is hopeful that she will be able to use JUST SWIM IT to connect vulnerable young people with positive community members and to create opportunities for underprivileged kids to develop new skills, practice new coping mechanisms and form positive, reciprocal relationships with trusted peers, all through the magic of swimming.
As many businesses, non-profit organizations and pools were forced to shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Charlie adjusted. Since it was no longer safe to spend a day at the pool, she used her free time to collaborate on designs and brand direction for JUST SWIM IT in order to increase and maximize her fundraising goals for the future.
If you’re interested in donating to JUST SWIM IT, head here →