Frequently Asked Questions
Questions? Start here.
Find answers about Diversity In Aquatics, our programs, membership, partnerships, water safety, events, and ways to get involved.
Browse FAQ Categories
About Diversity In Aquatics
Programs & Services
Events & Engagement
Water Safety & Education
Membership, Partnerships & Support
Impact, News & Recognition
Training & Speaking
About Diversity In Aquatics
Learn more about who we are, what we do, and the communities we serve.
What is Diversity In Aquatics?
Diversity In Aquatics is a national nonprofit network working to create safer, more inclusive aquatic communities. We connect people, organizations, knowledge, and resources to advance water safety, expand access, strengthen representation, and create opportunities in and around the water.
What is the mission of Diversity In Aquatics?
Our mission is to advance water safety, access, education, research, representation, and opportunity by supporting community leadership and strengthening connections across aquatics.
Who founded Diversity In Aquatics, and when was it established?
Diversity In Aquatics was founded in 2010 by Dr. Angela Beale-Tawfeeq and Dr. Shaun Anderson, two advocates committed to water safety, equitable access, and greater representation throughout aquatics.
What communities does Diversity In Aquatics serve?
We work with individuals, families, aquatic professionals, educators, athletes, researchers, institutions, and community organizations. Our work places particular emphasis on communities that have historically faced barriers to aquatic access, education, representation, and resources.
How can I get involved?
You can become a member, volunteer, attend an event, participate in an aquatic council, explore a partnership, or support the organization with a donation. Visit our Membership page to find the path that best fits you.
Programs & Services
Explore programs, education, and professional opportunities designed to build safety, confidence, and connection in and around the water.
What programs does Diversity In Aquatics offer?
Our network supports swim clinics, learn-to-swim opportunities, water safety education, certification courses, lifeguard development, aquatic events, institutional partnerships, and professional development across the aquatics field.
Programs and availability may vary by location and participating organization.
How do I find swimming lessons or water safety classes?
Use our Aquatic Program Finder to explore programs and organizations near you. Availability varies by location, so check individual program listings for current schedules, eligibility, and registration information.
Are DIA programs available nationwide?
DIA works with people and partner organizations across the country. Some programs and events are location-specific, while virtual education, research, resources, and network opportunities may be accessed more broadly.
Do you offer programs for people of all ages and abilities?
Many DIA programs and partner opportunities serve participants across a wide range of ages and abilities. Specific accommodations and eligibility depend on the program and host organization, so contact the listed provider before registering if you have accessibility questions.
How does DIA support lifeguard training?
DIA helps connect people with lifeguard training, certification opportunities, professional development, and pathways toward instructor and leadership roles. Visit our program and event listings for current opportunities.
Events & Community Engagement
Find opportunities to learn, connect, contribute, and experience the DIA network in action.
What kinds of events does Diversity In Aquatics host?
DIA events may include water safety festivals, swim clinics, conferences, educational workshops, aquatic career programs, community gatherings, and council-led activities.
Visit the Events page for current listings and registration information.
How can I participate in International Water Safety Day?
You can participate by attending or hosting an event, sharing water safety resources, engaging your organization or community, or helping raise awareness. Event details and participation resources are shared through DIA’s website and communication channels.
How can my organization collaborate with DIA on an event?
Organizations can work with DIA on community events, workshops, education, training, and other aligned initiatives. Visit our Membership page to explore partnership options or contact us with a specific proposal.
Can I volunteer at an event without previous aquatics experience?
Many events include volunteer roles that do not require aquatic credentials, including registration, outreach, logistics, and community engagement. Requirements vary by role, and appropriate guidance is provided by the event organizer.
Water Safety & Education
Learn why equitable access to water safety knowledge, instruction, and resources matters.
Why is water safety especially important in underserved communities?
Drowning is preventable, but access to swimming instruction, safe aquatic facilities, and water safety education remains uneven. Addressing these disparities can save lives, build confidence, and help more people participate safely in aquatic activities.
What barriers can prevent people from accessing water safety education?
Barriers may include program costs, limited transportation, a lack of nearby facilities, generational fear of water, insufficient representation, cultural disconnects, and limited community aquatic infrastructure.
DIA works with its network to identify and reduce these barriers.
Where can I find water safety resources and best practices?
Visit the Resource Library and Research and Insights pages for educational materials, research, practical guidance, and information about current water safety practices.
You can also explore upcoming training and educational events.
What should I do if I witness a water emergency?
Call emergency services immediately and alert a lifeguard or trained responder when one is available. Avoid entering the water unless you are trained and it is safe to do so. If you are trained in CPR, AED use, or rescue techniques, follow your training while prioritizing your own safety.
Membership, Partnerships & Support
Discover ways to join the network, collaborate with DIA, and support the work.
What membership options are available?
DIA offers pathways for individual members, partner organizations, and institutional partners. Each option is designed for a different level of participation, collaboration, and organizational involvement.
Visit the Membership page to compare the options.
What benefits do individual members receive?
Individual members can connect through Circles, aquatic councils, member meetings, and community discussions. Benefits may also include event and store discounts, early access to selected events, member updates, curated research and educational resources, and opportunities to contribute to the work.
How can my organization partner with DIA?
Organizations can join the national network, share knowledge and resources, collaborate on programs, support community priorities, and participate in initiatives aligned with DIA’s mission.
Visit the Membership page to explore partner organization and institutional partnership options.
Who partners with Diversity In Aquatics?
DIA collaborates with colleges and universities, aquatic organizations, public agencies, health and safety organizations, nonprofits, community groups, and businesses that share a commitment to safer and more inclusive aquatics.
Does DIA support other organizations working in water safety?
DIA helps connect aligned organizations with knowledge, relationships, educational resources, training opportunities, and collaborative programming through its national network.
Available support depends on the organization’s needs and the scope of the partnership.
How can I donate?
Visit the Donate page to make a one-time or recurring contribution. Donations help DIA expand education, training, community engagement, research, partnerships, and aquatic opportunity.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Diversity In Aquatics is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Eligible contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Consult your tax adviser if you have questions about your specific contribution.
Impact, News & Recognition
See how DIA measures progress, shares community stories, and recognizes leadership across aquatics.
What impact has Diversity In Aquatics made?
DIA has connected communities with water safety education, aquatic programs, training opportunities, professional networks, and national partners. Our work supports safer participation, stronger local programs, expanded representation, and new pathways into aquatic education and careers.
How does DIA measure success?
We evaluate participation, certifications, programs delivered, partnerships formed, resources shared, and the reach of community initiatives. We also listen to participants, members, volunteers, and partners to understand the experiences behind the numbers.
Where can I read stories from DIA participants and partners?
Visit News and Stories to explore updates, community experiences, program highlights, and perspectives from across the DIA network.
How can I stay informed about DIA news and events?
Visit the Events and News and Stories pages, subscribe to DIA updates, and follow Diversity In Aquatics on social media for announcements, opportunities, and new resources.
Where can I learn about the Excellence in Aquatics Awards?
Visit the Excellence in Aquatics page to learn about the awards, explore the categories, and submit a nomination.
Training & Speaking
Bring DIA’s knowledge, experience, and network into your organization or community.
Does DIA provide training for educators and community leaders?
DIA supports workshops, educational programs, professional development, and customized learning opportunities for educators, coaches, aquatic professionals, and community leaders.
Contact us to discuss your audience and training needs.
Is DIA affiliated with national aquatic and safety organizations?
DIA collaborates with national and community organizations throughout water safety, swimming, education, health, and aquatic sports. These relationships help connect local knowledge with broader resources and opportunities.
Can I request a DIA speaker or presenter?
Yes. DIA leaders and subject-matter experts participate in conferences, schools, community forums, workshops, and professional events.
Use the Contact page to tell us about your audience, topic, location, and proposed date.
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