Five-Time Olympic Swimmer Alia Atkinson Partners with Winter Park Blue Dolfins Foundation to Save Lives
The Current World Record Holder Joins the Foundation as a Spokesperson and Advocate to Help Save Lives Locally
WINTER PARK, Fla. — Five-time Olympian, world record holder, and water safety advocate Alia Atkinson has joined the Winter Park Blue Dolfins, Inc. as an official spokesperson.
The announcement comes as drowning remains one of the leading causes of death for children, a risk that is even greater for children with autism, who are often drawn to water and may wander from caregivers.
"Drowning is every parent's nightmare," said Joe Auer, co-founder of the Winter Park Blue Dolfins Foundation. "Each loss reminds us why this work matters. Every child should have the opportunity to learn lifesaving water skills, and every family deserves access to water safety education and resources."
Atkinson is one of the most accomplished swimmers in history. She currently holds the world records in two short course (25m) breaststroke events: the 50m breaststroke (28.56 seconds set in 2018) and the 100m breaststroke (a record time of 1:02.36, originally set in 2014 and matched in 2016). She also represented Jamaica in five Olympic Games and became the first Black woman to win a world swimming title. Today, she is focused on using her platform Watabound to help more children gain confidence and safety in the water.
Her advocacy is particularly meaningful as she pursues certification in adaptive swim instruction while completing graduate studies in behavioral therapy. Her work reflects a growing need to ensure that children of all abilities—including those with autism and other developmental differences—have access to quality swim instruction and water safety education.
"Swimming is more than a sport—it's a life skill," said Atkinson. "Every child deserves the chance to be safe, confident, and capable in the water. I'm honored to partner with the Winter Park Blue Dolfins Foundation because we share a commitment to creating opportunities that can save lives."
As part of the partnership, Atkinson will headline a public meet-and-greet and participate in community events during the Foundation's Drowning Prevention Week, July 18 - July 25.
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The Foundation is organizing a series of activities designed to raise awareness about drowning prevention, water safety, adaptive swim instruction, and the importance of making swimming accessible to every child. The Meet & Greet with Alia Atkinson will take place on Monday, July 19, to help kick off the week.