What is water capable of?

For me, water is a source of health and fitness, of discipline and strength. It is a way to find calm and peace, to strive for goals and break them. Water has brought me lifelong friendships and unforgettable mentors, but perhaps most importantly, it has helped me discover my passion and share it with others.

Unfortunately, water is also capable of tremendous and often unexpected suffering.

In the United States, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death in children aged 1–14 years (WHO). From 2005-2014, there were an average of 3,536 fatal unintentional drownings (non-boating related) annually in the United States—about ten deaths per day (CDC).

As a swim coach, these numbers are disturbing. Every day, I watch swimmers excel in freestyle, backstroke… even in butterfly. Having watched hundreds of people swim back and forth across several pools for almost ten years, it’s easy to forget where they all started: as a toddler, as a child, or even as an adult, taking lessons with a trained professional, starting with the most basic of skills: head submersion, blowing bubbles, and floating. Only after time and practice, after commitment and application, can they move up the ladder, go deeper in the water, and ultimately become water safe. You need to float before you can fly.

Our organization was founded to empower people not just in the water but in life. Water safety is the first step, but positive mentorship and coaching is just as important. I’ve been on both sides of the equation, as an athlete and a coach, and I’ve seen the incredible impact such a relationship can have. It’s why I’m here now, writing this message, doing what I can to help others—because those that guided me believed in me without reservation.

Help us share this with as many people as possible. With those who don’t have access to water or who can’t afford regular programs. With those who might not know the talent and passion hiding within them. With everyone we can, to make an impact not just on the statistics, but in their lives. Help us teach people to float so that one day, they might fly.

Michael Peron
Founder and President
Float2Fly