Together We Make A Difference In Water Safety

Access to swim lessons, education, and life-saving programs

Our Impact

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Scholarships delivered this year
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Partner academies
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Cities covered around Atlanta
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About Us

Greater Atlanta Water Safety Alliance

In March 2012, Craig Sears established the Greater Atlanta Water Safety Alliance, a nonprofit linked to the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, aiming to combat drowning, raise awareness, and promote swimming’s personal and community benefits.

Our Partners

About our programs

Building Safer Communities Together

Our programs are designed to make water safety accessible for all. Through community events, educational workshops, and scholarship opportunities, we empower families with the knowledge and tools needed to stay safe in and around water. Every initiative we lead is built on impact, inclusion, and prevention.

Swim Scholarships

We offer financial assistance for swimming lessons to help individuals of all ages gain essential water safety skills.

Water Safety Workshops

Interactive sessions designed to educate community members about essential water safety practices

Fundraiser Events

Water safety fundraisers support vital programs that promote education and actively prevent drowning.

Our stories

Real Stories,

Real Impact

At GAWSA, every lesson is more than just a swim—it’s a life changed. Through our scholarships, community partnerships, and safety programs, we’ve empowered families across Georgia to feel confident around water. Hear directly from the parents, kids, and community leaders whose lives have been transformed by our work. These are the voices behind our mission—and the reason we do what we do.

Hira Chhetri
New American Pathways
Every year New American Pathways, Parents as Teacher program partner with Greater Atlanta Water Safety Alliance to host a water safety event for our clients. The information session shared was interpreted to various client's native languages by our educators and made it more engaging learning experience. The best part I appreciate GAWSA for arranging volunteers to provide hand-on swim lesson for children from toddler to 14 years old. This event has become a popular in the community we serve, and families look forward to it as summer approaches. Thank you GAWSA
Robin Barnes
United Hope Foster Families
I can not say enough good things about the Greater Atlanta Water Safety Alliance. Craig Sears recently led a Water Safety class for Uniting Hope foster families. Craig was engaging, articulate, knowledgable and informative about a wide variety of water safety issues. He was professional, kind and accommodating to our foster families. We have already asked if he will speak to our group again next year. Thanks, Craig, for being so committed to the safety of children.
Sandra Rueda
Scholarship Recipient
Estamos muy contentos y agradecidos por todo , lo recomendamos al 100%
Mauricio Grageda
Scholarship Recipient
Todos muy amables y Las clases fueron exelentes. Muchas gracias.
Javiana Hernandez
Scholarship Recipient
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude, for awarding my child a scholarship for swimming lessons. The experience has been absolutely wonderful, not only because of the skills learned but also because of the constant support and care we’ve received. It’s amazing to find organizations so dedicated to the development and well-being of children. We are truly happy and grateful for this opportunity. Thank you for making such a positive difference in our lives!

Swim Scholarships Program

Each year we provide our swim scholars with the gear they’ll need to always be ready for the water

From swimsuits and goggles to other essential gear, we ensure they have everything they need to perform at their best in every class.

What do you need to apply?

Fostering Water Safety and Inclusion

Swimming class scholarships cover all of lesson costs for all ages and skill levels. Please fill this form to get the application. Scholarships are provided by nonprofits, schools, businesses, and government programs.

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Community involvement

Where We’ve Been, Who We’ve Reached

Take a look at the powerful moments we’ve shared—building safer communities, one swim at a time. From scholarship drives to safety workshops, see how GAWSA has made waves across Georgia. Explore the events that have helped us teach, protect, and connect with families statewide.

Past Events

What you should know about our programs

Common Questions and Answers

Swimming class scholarships are financial aids that cover all of the cost of swimming lessons. These scholarships are designed for people of all ages and skill levels .

You can apply for as many children or adults as you need. Our mission is to provide water safety education to all families.

The swim scholarships will be provided by the academy with which we have an alliance, and we will assign the closest location to your home address.

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