Swim Melbourne Foundation provides a safe and active swimming lifestyle for Brevard County families by expanding opportunities to participate in the sport of swimming.

The Swim Melbourne Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on community development for Brevard County through water safety education, inclusivity for all, and promoting competitive and recreational aquatic sports.

With philanthropic leadership, we envision a Space Coast where:

  • Every child learns to swim safely

  • Families have reliable access to aquatic facilities

  • Community Pools are modern, dependable, and inclusive

  • Young athletes pursue excellence regardless of background

  • Brevard County leads the nation in aquatic safety and access

READ OUR CASE STATEMENTS HERE: INDIVIDUALS & CORPORATE

OUR VISION FOR BREVARD

Water Safety and Education

This looks like swim lessons for all ages, lifeguard certification programs, and ocean water safety training to reduce preventable drowings and create safer communities.

Aquatic Therapy

We believe water has the power to transform lives. We support Aquatic Therapy programs that use water-based exercise and rehabilitation to help individuals recover from injuries, improve mobility and enhance overall wellness.

Charity and Inclusion

We host dedicated programs supporting individuals with special needs, partnerships with Special Olympics, and scholarships for underserved families to ensure everyone has access to aquatic education.

Access for All

Our initiatives aim to remove financial and accessibility barriers, expand community partnerships, and create a culture of water safety and inclusion.

Athletic Development & Competition

We are creating opportunities for competitve swimmers, masters swimmers, and water polo athletes to train, compete, and grow the sport across Brevard County.

Expanding Brevard

We see swimming as more than a sport - it’s a way to bring people together. We invest in programs and facilities that make both competitive and recreational swimming accessible to all.

WHY BREVARD NEEDS AN AQUATIC CENTER

Children Drowning Rates

Drowning is the single leading cause of death for children ages 0-4 and second leading cause of unintentional injury death in children ages 5-14 (following motor vehicle crashes). Florida has consistently recorded the highest death rate in the US. In 2023 alone, at least 97 children drowned, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and preventative measures.

Adult Swim

More than a third of adults in the U.S. can’t swim the length of a pool. US Masters Swimming provides team environment for health and wellness and learn-to-swim programs to adults. Also, the Senior Games provides friendly competition for athletes 50 and over since 1974.

Swim Education

Swim education reduces drowning risk by 88% in children ages 1-4, according to the CDC. Supervised swim environments provide safe spaces for children to learn and practice water safety. Swim lessons build water confidence in both children and parents

Lack of Infrastructure & Resources

Pools serve as essential hubs for water safety education, offering a controlled environment for swimming lessons and life-saving skills. From lifeguard shortages to maintaining aging infrastructure, there is currently no initiative set on meeting these gaps in Brevard.

Community Support System

Beyond their immediate recreational value, pools contribute to the local economy. They attract residents and visitors, stimulate local businesses, and provide employment opportunities. In addition to these economic benefits, pools foster social interaction and inclusivity, creating spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together.

Historic Brevard

All Brevard County school board pools were built in 1963 when Brevard population was 1/6 today’s population. The Palm Shores Aquatic Center will have more swim lanes than all four Brevard School Board pools combined. Here’s a glimpse of what swimming was like 70 years ago: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlGKXj8OE9M

Underprivileged Children

African American children ages 5-19 are nearly six times more likely to drown in a swimming pool than their Caucasian peers

Effectiveness of Aquatic Therapy

Aquatic Therapy has been found effective for Musculoskeletal injuries, Osteoarthritis, and overall health lowering the risk of developing long-term conditions like diabetes, cancer and obesity. Improving balance, coordination, and mobility while reducing joint and bone stress due to water’s buoyancy.

Autism and Intellectual Disabilities

Children and adults with autism & intellectual disabilities are at a significantly higher risk of drowning. The Special Olympics Florida serves 48,700 athletes and offers Olympic-style individual and team sports that provide meaningful training and competition opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities

Swim Lessons for Kids

Swim Lessons for Adults

Swim Team Age Group

Swim Team Masters

Water Polo

Camps & Clinics

USA Swimming Swim Meets

USMS Swim Meets

College Training Trips

Health and Wellness

Rehabilitation for Adults

Rehabilitation for Athletes

Local School "Every Student a Swimmer"

Local School Practices & Dual Meets

After-School Programs

Paralympic Games

Special Olympics

First Responder Courses

Swim Lessons for Kids Swim Lessons for Adults Swim Team Age Group Swim Team Masters Water Polo Camps & Clinics USA Swimming Swim Meets USMS Swim Meets College Training Trips Health and Wellness Rehabilitation for Adults Rehabilitation for Athletes Local School "Every Student a Swimmer" Local School Practices & Dual Meets After-School Programs Paralympic Games Special Olympics First Responder Courses

Swimming Builds Brevard Strong

  • Full Body Workout

    Swimming engages all major muscle groups, building strength and endurance.

  • Improves Cardiovascular Health

    Promotes heart and lung development, improving overall fitness.

  • Low Impact Exercise

    Gentle on joints and bones, making it ideal for growing bodies.

  • Boosts Coordination and Balance

    Swimming enhances motor skills and overall physical coordination.

  • Increases Flexibility

    Regular swimming stretches muscles and promotes a full range of motion.

  • Builds Discipline and Focus

    Learning swimming techniques fosters goal-setting, patience, and concentration.

  • Supports Healthy Weight Management

    Learning swimming techniques fosters goal-setting, patience, and concentration.

  • Reduce Stress and Anxiety

    Being in the water has calming effects, promoting mental well-being.

  • Enhances Social Skills

    Group swim lessons and team activities encourage teamwork and communication.

  • Boose Confidence and Self Esteem

    Mastering new swim skills gives children a sense of achievement, building self-confidence and independence.

  • Promote Life Long Fitness Habits

    Establishes a foundation for a healthy, active lifestyle into adulthood.

  • Reduces Risk of Chronic Diseases

    Regular swimming helps lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

  • Improves Joint Health

    Swimming’s low-impact nature alleviates pain and stiffness, particularly in those with arthritis or joint conditions.

  • Enhances Lung Capacity and Respiratory Function

    It improves breathing efficiency, benefiting those with asthma or other respiratory issues.

  • Promotes Longevity

    Adults who swim regularly have lower mortality rates, contributing to longer, healthier lives.

  • Supports Post Injury Recovery

    Swimming is an ideal exercise for rehabilitation, helping to rebuild strength and fitness without putting stress on the body.

Saving Lives. Building Confidence. Strengthening Our Community.