Aquatic Capital of America

Funds raised through Long Beach Gives help the Aquatic Capital of America inspire and empower our community to achieve excellence in aquatic activities and life through our Waterproof Our Youth Program.

Founded by yachtsman Tom Shadden, 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 aquatic sports, water safety, youth programs, clean water initiatives, and making sure everyone has access to aquatic recreation. 

Our premier program is "Waterproof Our Youth," donating funds to pay the costs for local youth from underserved areas of the city to local YMCA's, Long Beach City College, and other organizations offering 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 300 sets of swim lessons to at-risk youth in 2024. We are on track to provide over 300 sessions of swim lessons in 2025, and with your help, we hope to provide at least 400 local youth with swim lesson classes in 2026. 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 the the annual Naples Island Swim races for hundreds of open water swimmers.
• 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.
• 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!