Drowning is Preventable. Safety is Teachable. Hope is Achievable.

At GAWSA, we are dedicated to saving lives through water safety education, scholarships, and community outreach. Together with families, schools, and partners, we work to ensure that all communities across Georgia have access to the knowledge and resources needed to stay safe in and around water.

Our Story:

A Mission to Protect Georgia’s Communities

GAWSA was created with one clear purpose: to prevent drownings and save lives by making water safety education accessible to everyone in Georgia.

Every year, countless families — across all ages and backgrounds — face risks simply because they lack access to swim lessons or water safety resources. We believe water safety should not depend on income, geography, or language.

Through education, scholarships, and partnerships, GAWSA works hand-in-hand with communities to break down barriers and build a future where everyone feels confident and safe around water.

What Drives Us

Mission

To eliminate drownings in Georgia by providing access to water safety education, swim scholarships, and resources for all communities.

Vision

A future where everyone in Georgia — regardless of background — has the tools and knowledge to stay safe around water.

Values

Safety, Equity, Community, Education, Impact, Compassion

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.

Thank you for making such a positive difference in our lives!

Javiana H.

Scholarship awardee

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!

Our Impact Across Georgia

We collaborate with schools, neighborhoods, health organizations, and families to ensure that everyone — children, adults, caregivers — has access to the tools and resources to prevent drowning.

Scholarships delivered this year
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Partner academies
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Cities covered around Atlanta
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People reached through our digital channels
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Nuestro fundador

A Lifelong Advocate for Water Safety

La seguridad cerca del agua comienza con la concientización: mantenerse alerta y mantenerse seguro.

Craig Sears

Founder of GAWSA | President of Sears Pool Management

Craig, originario de Atlanta, desarrolló una profunda pasión por la natación desde temprana edad, dedicando años a destacar en la natación competitiva. Obtuvo una licenciatura en Biología de la Universidad Washington and Lee, mejorando su comprensión de los entornos acuáticos. Impulsado por una visión de mejorar las instalaciones de piscinas, obtuvo un MBA en Administración en la Universidad Estatal de Georgia. Su trayectoria en la industria acuática incluyó diversos roles, desde salvavidas y entrenador de natación hasta gerente de piscina e incluso bartender. Estas experiencias culminaron en el establecimiento de Sears Pool Management en 1997, demostrando su experiencia multifacética y su compromiso con la transformación de instalaciones acuáticas.

Together, We Build Safer Communities

Our work is powered by collaboration. We partner with swim schools, nonprofits, health departments, and community organizations across Georgia to bring resources where they’re needed most.

Join Us in Making Georgia Safer

Ways to Get Involved:

Donar

Fund scholarships and educational programs.

Volunteer

Help with events, outreach, and education.

Partner

Join our network of impact-driven organizations.

Sponsor a Scholarship

Directly support a family in need.

Contacto

Contáctenos

Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, to discover exciting volunteer opportunities, or to explore potential sponsorship/partnership arrangements with GAWSA.

Our team is readily available to assist you, so don’t hesitate to get in touch via phone or email at your convenience. We look forward to connecting with you and discussing how we can collaborate to make a positive impact in the world of swimming and aquatic education.

GAWSA Contact
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