Our News
September 16, 2026:
S.H.I.E.L.D.S. Launches Swim Lessons for Local Children
Our S.H.I.E.L.D.S. in the Water team kicked off swim lessons for the children from the Baxter E. Luther Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida at the JCA this week! We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to make swim lessons more accessible to children in our Jacksonville community.
Special thank you to Dustin Rullien and the JCA swim instructors, including our cofounder Eli, for making this fun and meaningful for the children. We are also grateful to the Baxter E. Luther Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida and the JCA for partnering with us, and to Natación Para Todos for donating swim caps and goggles for all participants!
July 21, 2026
Supporting Water Safety at McKenzie’s Camp Deep Pond
The S.H.I.E.L.D.S. in the Water cofounders were grateful for the opportunity to spend time at McKenzie’s Camp Deep Pond this summer and support water safety. We served as water watchers, helped campers with lifejackets, and shared the importance of water safety with the children. Our team was honored to work alongside the dedicated lifeguards and counselors to help campers enjoy a fun and safe summer.
Thank you to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida, Camp Director Thomas Stinson, and the entire camp team for welcoming us and partnering with us in support of our mission!
July 7, 2026:
S.H.I.E.L.D.S. Brings Water Safety Education to Local Summer Camps
Throughout Summer 2026, the S.H.I.E.L.D.S. in the Water team had the opportunity to visit campers at JCA and Jacksonville Jewish Center to share lifesaving water safety education while utilizing the American Red Cross WHALE Tales program.
Thank you, JCA, for welcoming us and providing and opportunity to share this important information with so many campers!
May 16, 2026:
S.H.I.E.L.D.S. Raises over $7,600 at Inaugural 20 for 20
The inaugural S.H.I.E.L.D.S. 20 for 20 Swim Challenge at The Bolles School was a tremendous success! So far, we have raised more than $7,600 to help underserved children gain access to swim lessons and water safety education! Thank you to all of our participants, Olympian Ryan Murphy and the Goldfish Swim School- St. Johns, BODYBAR Pilates Mandarin, The Bolles School and swim coaches, and our partner, the Jewish Community Alliance.
Donations are still being accepted to help expand access to lifesaving swim education and lessons!
May 11, 2026:
20 for 20 Swim Challenge Silent Auction & Raffle Now Open
Our Silent Auction and Raffle for the 20 for 20 Swim Challenge Fundraiser are now live!
HUGE Thank you to Olympic Swimmer Ryan Murphy, Goldfish Swim School - St. Johns, and BODYBAR Pilates - Mandarin for supporting our cause!
AUCTION CLOSES 5/16 at 1:30PM
OR
April 21, 2026:
S.H.I.E.L.D.S. Team Teaches Water Safety Education to Bolles Kindergarten Students
The S.H.I.E.L.D.S. cofounders presented the American Red Cross Longfellow’s WHALE Tales, an interactive water safety presentation, to the kindergarten students at the Whitehurst campus at The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida.