Welcome to Nadar por Vida

Welcome to our newly refurbished site, which was generously provided by the family of one of our volunteers, Cyrus Hashemi, and Sierra Corporation. Please look out for new content and changes as we continue to adjust everything.

Next Practice: Saturday, February 25    Special Guest: Coach Robbie Robins

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Intra-squad Swim Meet last Sunday. It was a huge success -- with over 70 swimmers, awards, donuts, coffee and fun!! If you couldn't join us this time, we hope you can make our next meet on April 29!

For any questions, email Coach Lopez at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This film was provided by USA Swimming Foundation and shown at the 2011 Golden Goggle Awards. Donations directly to Nadar Por Vida will help us continue our efforts and are greatly appreciated.

Nadar Por Vida was highlighted at Golden Goggles 2010 after an incredible visit from Gold Medalist Mel Stewart.

Volunteer Highlight:

Name: Jenna Degner-Lopez

Age:17

School: Fairfax High School

Position: Volunteer Coordinator

On Nadar Por Vida:

       Everyday, ten people die from drowning. Blacks and Hispanics are three times more likely than Whites to join this statistic. The risk is 8x higher if no one in the family can swim. In order to break this catastrophic drowning cycle, I volunteer at a non-profit my family founded 8 years ago, Nadar Por Vida, that targets minority and low-income kids who are potentially at-risk of drowning, childhood obesity and joining local gangs. Our program is volunteer run and is an opportunity for me and others to share our passion for swimming.

       Our philosophy has always been that teaching success and reaching goals in the water translates into success in other areas of life like school and assimilation. As the senior student coach and volunteer coordinator, I receive as many benefits as our swimmers. I've learned to work in large groups and gained the patience to work with kids of all ages. Yet my efforts cannot compare to the gratification I get from the smiles of our kids and their families as they succeed each week. These smiles reassure me that one person can truly make a difference, with even the smallest of actions.

Building Champions in the water, in school and in life!