Milwaukee Parks Foundation and Milwaukee County Parks Announce the Launch of Aquatics Ambassadors MKE

MILWAUKEE, WI – Milwaukee Parks Foundation in partnership with Milwaukee County Parks, proudly announce the launch of Aquatic Ambassadors MKE, a community-led initiative dedicated to bolstering lifeguard recruitment and establishing connections between the Greater Milwaukee community and swimming resources. Comprising a diverse and intergenerational group with strong ties to swimming, the Aquatics Ambassadors provide innovative insights for cultivating a new generation of swimmers and lifeguards.

“I am thrilled to introduce Aquatics Ambassadors Milwaukee (AAM),” said Guy Smith, Milwaukee County Parks Director. “This initiative focuses on water safety and equitable access to swimming. By expanding our local lifeguard pipeline through collaborative efforts, AAM ensures safe water activities for all. Supported by our fantastic partners at the Milwaukee Parks Foundation, this not only enhances community safety but also holds the promise of opening more pools in Milwaukee County. With more certified lifeguards, Milwaukee County Parks can offer additional aquatic experiences, creating a safer and more vibrant park system for our residents.”

The Aquatics Ambassadors MKE group actively supports Milwaukee County Parks’ lifeguard recruitment by amplifying the call in community venues, networks, and organizations. Additionally, Aquatics Ambassadors MKE focuses on diversifying Milwaukee’s swim community by developing creative and community-informed approaches to invite Milwaukee County residents, especially BIPOC communities, to embrace a broad range of water-based activities, especially swimming.

In significant progress towards this goal, the Milwaukee Parks Foundation successfully raised funds to support a new full-time Aquatics staff position at Milwaukee County Parks, This position will increase community outreach and lifeguard development capacity. To further support the initiative, Aquatic Ambassadors MKE has unveiled a new resource website www.aquaticsambassadorsmke.org. This website serves as a valuable hub for information, resources, and updates related to the Aquatic Ambassadors MKE program.

“Swimming is often seen as a luxury, but it is a necessity,” said Rebecca Stoner, Executive Director of Milwaukee Parks Foundation. “We’ve been stuck in a cycle of pool closures due to lifeguard shortages causing low swimability and thereby reinforcing the closures. We have a lot of work to do, and a lot of partners to learn from, but our Ambassadors are incredible leaders and together we are committed to supporting Milwaukee CountyParks at this critical juncture.”

Milwaukee Parks Foundation remains dedicated to expanding the swimming pipeline in Milwaukee and is actively seeking additional support from funders to further the mission of Aquatics Ambassadors MKE. To contribute, visit www.mkeparksfoundation.org/donate. This initiative was made possible by generous support from Dr. Geoff Mykleby. We are honored to continue his legacy and passion for swimming.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.