The Wet Feet Foundation – Empowering Underserved Youth Through Water Safety & Survival Skills

Statistics on Inner City Youth and Swimming

Drowning Rates: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children aged 1-14.

Swimming Ability

The USA Swimming Foundation reports that 64% of African American children, 45% of Hispanic children, and 40% of Caucasian children do not know how to swim. Many inner-city youth lack access to swimming lessons and safe swimming environments.

Barriers to Swimming

Factors contributing to low swimming proficiency include socioeconomic status, lack of access to pools, cultural views on swimming, and limited exposure to water-related activities.

MISSION

WET FEET is dedicated to empowering underserved youth aged 5 to 24 through comprehensive water survival skills training. Our mission is to equip young individuals with essential aquatic abilities, fostering confidence, safety, and lifelong skills that can save lives.

FOUNDER'S STORY:

WHY I CREATED THE WET FEET FOUNDATION

The WET FEET Foundation was born out of a life-altering experience that revealed just how critical water survival skills are—especially in communities where access to such training is rare.

While vacationing in Cabo San Lucas, my husband and I were unexpectedly swept off the beach by a powerful rip current. Neither of us knew how to swim. As we were pulled into the open ocean, panic set in. But in that terrifying moment, I remembered a short lesson a dear friend had given me nearly eight years prior—he had insisted I learn how to float. Thanks to that single lesson, I was able to stay afloat for over seven minutes, waves crashing over me, until a large wave pushed me close enough to shore for bystanders to help pull me to safety.

I was hospitalized in Los Cabos, placed on a ventilator in the CCU for two days, and later transferred to a hospital in Houston, where I was treated for pneumonia in both lungs, pleurisy, and a collapsed lung.

My husband, a disabled veteran with no water training, managed to tread water until he, too, was rescued. The physical trauma was immense—but the emotional clarity that followed was even more powerful. We realized that our survival shouldn't have been a miracle—it shouldn’t have been a matter of preparation. Being from South Louisiana, where water is part of everyday life, these skills should not be optional—they should be mandatory. That’s why we founded The WET FEET Foundation: to provide youth and families in underserved communities with the tools, training, and confidence to survive and thrive around water. Our mission is personal. Our commitment is lifelong. And our vision is clear: a future where every child, no matter their zip code, can swim confidently and safely.

Tracy Pack-White

Our Programs

WET FEET offers a structured program designed to teach water survival skills to youth in underserved communities. The program includes:

Curriculum Development

Age-Appropriate Classes: Tailored swimming lessons for different age groups (5-7, 8-12, 13-18, 19-24)

Skill Levels: Classes for beginners to advanced swimmers, focusing on water safety, swimming techniques, and rescue skills.

Community Partnerships

Collaborate with local schools, community centers, and aquatic facilities to provide access to swimming lessons.

Partner with volunteer lifeguards and certified swimming instructors to deliver training.

Engagement and Outreach

Host community events to raise awareness about the importance of swimming and water safety.

Provide free swimsuits and gear to participants to eliminate financial barriers.

Mentorship Program

Pair youth with mentors who can guide them in their swimming journey and provide encouragement and support

Family Involvement

Organize family swim days to promote community bonding and reinforce the skills learned by the youth.

Upcoming Events

New Program Dates Coming Soon

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HELP OUR CAUSE TODAY DONATE!

The Wet Feet aims to bridge the gap in water safety education for underserved youth. By providing access to swimming lessons and fostering a love for water activities, we can help empower the next generation to thrive both in and out of the water. Through community engagement, mentorship, and skill development, we envision a future where every child has the opportunity to swim confidently and safely.

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Life Advantages

BENEFITS OF WATER SURVIVAL SKILLS

Swimming skills empower youth with safety, confidence, better health, social growth, and future opportunities in and around water.

Safety

Learning to swim significantly reduces the risk of drowning, providing youth with essential life-saving skills.

Confidence

Mastering swimming techniques fosters self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment.

Health and fitness

Swimming is an excellent form of exercise that promotes physical health, builds strength, and enhances cardiovascular fitness.

Social Skills

Participating in swimming classes encourages teamwork, communication, and social interaction among peers.

Future Opportunities

Proficiency in swimming opens doors to various opportunities, including competitive swimming, lifeguarding jobs, and increased recreational options.

Our Partners

LET’S STAY CONNECTED

We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re looking to support, volunteer, or enroll in a program we’re here to help.

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