Program Application Information

THE 2025 SWIM F.A.S.T. Baltimore Application is now CLOSED.

Eligibility Requirements and Criteria

SWIM F.A.S.T. Baltimore is a fully funded swim program designed to provide accessible, high-quality swim instruction to adults who may not have had the opportunity to learn. To ensure participants receive the full benefit of the program, we ask that all applicants meet the following criteria:

Age Requirement: Due to sponsorship requirements from the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Hennessy Fellows program, participants must be at least 21 years old at the time of registration.

Commitment: This is a structured swim program where you will learn new skills each week. Participants must commit to attending all four sessions (seven classes total) to ensure skill development and safety progress.

Location & Travel: Classes will be held at a designated aquatic facility within Baltimore. Participants should be able and willing to travel to the Middle Branch Fitness and Wellness Center.

Beginner-Friendly Program: This program is designed for adults with little to no formal swim training. If you already know how to swim confidently, we encourage you to share this opportunity with someone who may need it.

Health & Safety: Participants should be comfortable engaging in low-impact physical activity. If you have any medical concerns, we encourage you to consult a physician before enrolling. Please find a liability waiver linked here.

Positive Learning Environment: We ask that all participants come with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to fostering a supportive and encouraging space for all.

If you meet these criteria and are ready to take the first step toward water confidence, we encourage you to apply! Spaces are limited, and preference may be given to those who demonstrate a strong commitment to completing the program.

Deadline and Selection Process

All applications must be submitted by March 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST to be considered for the program. Due to limited availability, we will carefully review each application to ensure alignment with the program’s mission and goals.

Selected participants will be notified by April 3, 2025 via email and must confirm their participation by April 6, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST by emailing swimfastbaltimore@gmail.com to secure their spot.

If a selected participant does not confirm within the given timeframe, their spot may be offered to an applicant on the waitlist.

We appreciate your interest in SWIM F.A.S.T. Baltimore and encourage all eligible individuals to apply

Application Timeline

March 21 – March 30 → Application Open
March 30 – April 2 → Application Review & Selection Process
April 3 → Acceptance Notifications Sent
April 6 → Deadline to Confirm Participation
April 13 → Virtual Program Orientation
April 19 → Program Start Date

Diver's Key

Depth: 12-30 m | Currents: Mild to Strong | Good for Experienced Divers

Our program is designed to provide a valuable and life-saving opportunity for participants. To ensure fairness and maximize impact, we ask that all selected participants commit to attending all scheduled sessions. The Attendance Policy is linked here.

No-Show Policy: If a participant misses a session without prior notice, they may forfeit their spot in the program.
Withdrawal: If you are unable to complete the program, we ask that you notify us as soon as possible so we can offer your spot to someone on the waitlist.
Tardiness: Arriving late disrupts the learning experience for everyone. Participants who arrive more than 15 minutes late may be marked as absent.
Emergency Cancellations: We understand that unexpected situations arise. If you need to miss a session due to an emergency, please notify us immediately.

SWIM F.A.S.T. (Fearless Aquatics Skills Training) Baltimore markets to individuals from communities that have historically faced barriers to water safety and swim education. Based on the applications received, we will carefully review and choose 21 participants who will benefit most from the program. We understand that schedules can be busy, so the program design of 45-minute classes, twice a week for four weeks, is designed to fit the lives of adults while maintaining effectiveness and delivering impact.

The curriculum is condensed and practical, covering core competencies like water introduction, floating, and basic movements. We conclude with certificates and video testimonials for media outreach. What sets us apart? Our unique focus on free lessons for adults and a curriculum that balances effectiveness with demanding schedules will undoubtedly be a game-changer for this community by breaking generational barriers to water safety, increasing confidence in the water, and creating a pathway for lifelong engagement in aquatics.

SCHEDULE

*Selected applicants will need to choose a time slot for each session. Session selection will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis for the 21 selected applicants. Participation in SWIM F.A.S.T. Baltimore requires schedule flexibility. We encourage all applicants to ensure their availability before applying.