Wilderness Youth Project (WYP) and Sea League are partnering this spring break to offer the Big Blue Bridge Spring Break Camp, a week-long program designed to build water safety, swim confidence, and belonging for 24 students, ages 6-12.
The camp will be March 30-April 3 at the Santa Barbara High School pool. Priority registration is offered for low-income families from Franklin and Adelante elementary schools.
The camp combines WYP’s small-group, nature-based mentoring model with Sea League’s beginner-centered swim instruction, organizers said.
For many children living just minutes from the ocean, access to consistent swim lessons remains limited, organizers said. Big Blue Bridge was created to help close that gap, prioritizing safety, confidence, and supportive instruction, they said.
“Every child in Santa Barbara should be able to learn to swim,” said Lauren Winnewisser, development director at WYP. “We are excited to partner with Sea League to help children feel safe in the water, confident in themselves, and supported by their neighbors.”
Each day of camp combines WYP’s small-group mentoring and nature-based learning with Sea League’s accessible, beginner-centered swim instruction.
• Morning, 8:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Kids spend the time with WYP mentors exploring outside in local parks, creeks and beaches.
• Afternoon, 1-4 p.m.: WYP brings participants to the pool at Santa Barbara High School, where Sea League lifeguards guide them through structured swim instruction to prepare them for ocean swimming.
• Pick-up, 4:15 p.m. at Franklin Elementary.
“Sea League’s teaching philosophy emphasizes comfort before skill, technique before speed, and safety before distance. Children are never pressured; progress happens through encouragement and small, supported successes,” organizers said.
Big Blue Bridge is specifically designed for children who:
• Have never swum independently
• Feel nervous or cautious in the water
• Can swim short distances but tire quickly
• Need stronger water safety skills
This is not a competitive swim program; the focus is safety, comfort and confidence. organizers said.
According to the American Red Cross, 79% of kids in low-income households can’t swim. In households earning under $50,000, nearly 4 in 5 children have few to no swimming skills. Cost is reported to be the barrier.
The price of Big Blue Bridge is $575 per child, but thanks to scholarships and community support, low-income families who receive the highest scholarship level will pay $28.75 per child.
WYP and Sea League said they are currently raising $13,800 to fully fund the program and ensure cost is not a barrier for families.
The two groups are also seeking community volunteers to support camp swimmers by providing in-water support alongside the lifeguard instructors. No teaching experience is necessary, just comfort in the water and enthusiasm for helping kids succeed.
“We live in a beach town. We believe every child and their family deserves to feel safe in the water and enjoy the beautiful beaches, creeks and rivers nearby,” said Winnewisser. “Community support makes that possible.”
Community members can learn more, register, volunteer or contribute to the scholarship campaign at wyp.org/big-blue-bridge.
For more about Wilderness Youth Project, visit wyp.org. Learn more at about Sea League at thesealeague.org.