Whether you count laps for fitness, race the person in the next lane, do flips off the diving board, or splash in the shallow end with your children, when you swim, it’s a gift.

But enjoying the water safely and happily is something more than a third of adults in this country cannot do, and that’s where the USMS Swimming Saves Lives Foundation is ready to help. In fact, your support of the foundation’s adult learn-to-swim efforts reduces drowning risk for people of all ages, since adults who know how to swim are more likely to enroll their children in swimming lessons, too.

You can support adult learn-to-swim efforts nationwide through Sept. 25 by purchasing an item from SSLF’s first-ever silent auction. Bid on swim-fan fun like autographed caps and bags (yes, there’s an MP-signed cap up for grabs, plus super gear from Nathan Adrian), or jump on your chance to attend the USMS Middle-Distance Open Water Championships in 2020 with a travel package to Cleveland that includes Rock & Roll Hall of Fame tickets. For those with Spring Nationals in their sites, a bourbon tasting is up for bid during that event. There’s swag from USMS sponsors (thank you!!), too.

If there’s nothing particular on your swim-wish list these days, but you still want to contribute, we’ve got you covered. You can use the donation button below to provide adult learn-to-swim students with lessons and equipment.

Thank you for giving back to your gift – swimming -- the only sport that can save a life.

U.S. Masters Swimming is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions to the USMS Swimming Saves Lives Foundation are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. U.S. Masters Swimming’s tax identification number is 31-0999051. You can find out more about us on guidestar.org under United States Masters Swimming, Inc. If using the Donate button, no goods or services were provided in exchange for this contribution. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. 1- 800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) OR www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE." FLORIDA REGISTRATION CH33301