Fred Fisher Water Safety Program | CFY Pinellas

In Partnership With Pinellas County Schools

Fred Fisher Water Safety Program Sponsored by Duke Energy

The CFY Fred Fisher Water Safety Program gives Pinellas County children access to life-saving water safety education by removing barriers that often prevent families from participating.

Launched in 2022, in partnership with Pinellas County Schools the program transports Title I elementary students in grades K–2 to local pools for six structured in-water lessons delivered during the school day, ensuring every child can build confidence and foundational safety skills in and around the water.

EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS: A gift of approximately $20 helps provide one child with transportation, six in-water safety lessons, and a CFY Fred Fisher Water Safety shirt.

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.

The program honors Fred Fisher, a respected businessman, philanthropist, and community leader whose commitment to youth opportunity and water safety helped shape generations of children in Pinellas County.

Fred helped establish what became CFY Pinellas, supported the creation of the Clearwater Swim Club, now the Clearwater Aquatic Team, and played a central role in developing The Long Center as a home for youth athletics, aquatics, and community access.

After the tragic drowning of his four-year-old son, Mark, in 1962, Fred dedicated himself to expanding water safety education, so other families would have access to the skills and support that can help prevent similar losses.

FRED FISHER WATER SAFETY PROGRAM SPONSORED BY DUKE ENERGY

Water Safety Data

Data collected through the program demonstrates a critical need for these services. More than 50% of participating students enter the program having never received formal water safety instruction, and approximately 80% are initially classified as unsafe in and around the water. Upon completion of the two-week program, that percentage drops, with only 20% of students remaining classified as unsafe.

Growth Goals

CFY’s next phase of growth is designed to expand access from 10 schools in 2027 to a goal of 20 schools in 2028 impacting approximately 3,000 children annually.

Clearwater

City of Clearwater provides Water Safety Instruction

sponsored by JWB

Additional Funding Support from Creative Contractors and Long Center Foundation

Water Safety Program provided at these locations:

The Long Center

Morningside Recreation Complex

Ross Norton Recreation Complex

Title I Elementary Schools:

Skycrest Elementary

Eisenhower Elementary

McMullen Booth Elementary

Belleair Elementary

WATER SAFETY NETWORK

Saving Lives Through Partnership

Beginning in 2026, Single Source Insurance, led by Olympians Zach Railey and Paige Railey, became the presenting sponsor of water safety shirts, helping offset costs and extend the program’s impact for every participating child.

CFY provides every participant with a Fred Fisher Water Safety shirt, so children feel comfortable, included, and connected to their peers throughout the program.

As the program has grown, the shirts have become a visible symbol of achievement and a lasting reminder that each child has learned essential skills for staying safer around water.

WATER SAFETY NETWORK

An Olympic Effort

CFY is grateful to the Olympic and Paralympic ambassadors who champion the Fred Fisher Water Safety Program sponsored by Duke Energy and help raise awareness for life-saving water safety education.

Ambassadors include 3-time Olympic Gold Medalist Rowdy Gaines, 3-time Olympic Gold Medalist Bobby Finke, 3-time Olympic Gold Medalist Brooke Bennett, 3-time Olympic Gold Medalist Nicole Haislett, Silver Medalist Zach Railey, Paige Railey, Noah Lyons, Tracy Otto, and 2-time Olympic Gold Medalist Michele Smith.