Aquatic Capital of America

Funds raised through Long Beach Gives help the Aquatic Capital of America strengthen the fabric of our community through aquatic sports. Waterproof Our Youth and Grants for Gear Programs provide the foundation for entry to opportunities here in Long Beach for everyone to enjoy.

Founded by Tom Shadden, Dick Miller, Lenny Arkinstal and John Callos, the name Aquatic Capital of America (ACOA) was approved as a slogan for the City of Long Beach in 2008. 

Aquatic Capital of America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Long Beach that celebrates the legacy of athletes, coaches, and who all excelled in their aquatic disciplines over many years. 

ACOA promotes Learn to Swim programs for underserved youth, all aquatic sports, clean water initiatives, and access to aquatic recreation for everyone. 

Our premier programs are Waterproof Our Youth and Grants for Gear. We raise funds to underwrite these programs and help our local YMCA's, Long Beach City College, and other organizations to offer youth swim lessons.

We are proud to partner with Long Beach City College, Long Beach YMCAs, and local swim clubs to have provided more than 400 swim lessons to at-risk youth in 2024 and again in 2025. We are on track to provide over 500 sessions of swim lessons in 2026, and with your help, we hope to steadily increase this in 2027. We strive to be the primary steward to promote and increase participation in water-based activities in the greater Long Beach area. 

We appreciate your support; your donations help fund the following programs:

• Provide free swim lessons to more than 400 at-risk youth in our community. No matter your favorite water activity, knowing how to swim saves lives. 
•  Host an annual Awards Banquet honoring significant aquatic milestones achieved over the previous calendar year by Long Beach individuals and local organizations. 
• Host an annual Hall of Fame Dinner & Ceremony to honor and preserve Long Beach's rich aquatic legacy, recognizing those who have achieved extraordinary success in their aquatic endeavors throughout their lifetimes.
• Host an annual Masters Swim Team Relay event at Long Beach City College.
• Support restoring wetlands and cleanup efforts in Long Beach's public waterways. Safe and clean waterways help make our city beautiful and mitigate risk for those partaking in recreational activities in and on the water.
• Support boating and swimming safety in our local waterways.

For more information and to stay updated with our activities, visit our website at theaquaticcapital.org, and follow us on our social media platforms!