Children’s eager voices amplified the upbeat ambiance as they joined community partners, donors and instructors for the annual Float Hope Donors and Friends Reception at the John’s Island Club.

Float Hope, which is dedicated to offering “the gift of swimming” to the county’s disadvantaged children, was celebrating a record-breaking summer, giving lessons to 236 children, more than twice last year’s number.

It would not be unreasonable to assume that most children raised in a coastal community, boasting miles of beaches and hundreds of pools, would know how to swim, but the disturbing fact is that many local children do not.

When Jeff Powers, a lifelong swimmer, moved to Indian River Shores in 2012, he soon discovered that nearly all the county’s less-advantaged children, most of whom live on the mainland, did not know how to swim. The situation was typically generational.

Determined to give them a chance to learn this life-saving skill, Powers worked with other like-minded people and Float Hope was born. Since its inception, the nonprofit has taught more than 1,000 children to swim.

This year, said Beata Brewster, Float Hope executive director, “we’re on track to serve more than 350 children in Indian River County.”

Guests were delighted to meet and chat with several of the young swimmers who, with great charm and wonderful confidence, proudly shared their stories.

One 8-year-old third-grader declared that she is now absolutely not afraid of the water, and that the backstroke is her favorite.

Other newly minted swimmers happily shared how much fun it was, that they wished they could have started sooner, and that their skills were getting better and better.

One proud father related that initially his son would shake and tremble at the thought of swimming, but that now he can’t wait to go to his lessons.

Gaining confidence is a key part of the program, according to its experienced and dedicated coaches, Scott Barlow and Holly McClain.

“Kids are kids. They strive to get better. We are their confidence builders,” said Barlow.

McClain recalled being moved by a touching moment as parents arrived to pick up their little Minnows after class. One girl rushed up to her mother, excited and wide-eyed, and announced, “Mom, I can SWIM. I never thought I could do it. I can SWIM!”

Barlow emphasized that, along with its potential life-saving aspect, learning to swim can lead to related job opportunities such as becoming a lifeguard, underwater welder, commercial diver, photographer or marine biologist. For example, Float Hope swimmers have climbed the ranks, and as teenagers are now assistant instructors, including 12 this past summer.

Additionally, the friendships built through swim classes, which take place at the North County Aquatic Center in Sebastian and the Gifford Aquatic Center, can last a lifetime.

Attorney Bill Stewart, a longtime supporter, was especially pleased that other nonprofits are now partnering for mutual benefit. Among them, the Indian River County Boys and Girls Clubs, Gifford Youth Achievement Center, Homeless Children’s Foundation of Indian River County, Sally Wilkey Foundation and the Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy.

For more information, visit FloatHopeNow.org.

Photos by Amy Saville