Why it's called "Fred Fisher Water Safety Program" 

Fred Fisher made a lasting impact on Pinellas County as a businessman, philanthropist and longtime volunteer. 

He helped establish what became CFY Pinellas, created to replace a discontinued city sports program and now offering year‑round athletics to thousands of children. In the late 1960s, he also united local families to form the Clearwater Swim Club, now known as the Clearwater Aquatic Team (CAT).

One of his most meaningful efforts was developing the Long Center. After losing his 4‑year‑old son, Mark, to a drowning accident in 1962, he committed himself to improving water safety and expanding access to swim instruction. For five years, he served as the founder, lead fundraiser, and primary benefactor of the Long Center, envisioning it as a permanent home for CFY and CAT and a resource that would help prevent similar tragedies for other families.