we are making waves
ABOUT SWAM
SWAM Canada is a national non-profit providing affordable and accessible one-on-one swimming lessons to children with disabilities. Our volunteer-run chapters offer inclusive aquatic programming that builds confidence, connection, and joy in the water.
who we are
We are students, volunteers, and community members who believe every child deserves the chance to feel safe and confident in the water. Our instructors are primarily post-secondary students who bring energy, patience, and creativity to every lesson. Together, we form a supportive network dedicated to making swimming accessible to children with disabilities.
our story
SWAM Canada, formerly known as Making Waves and SwimAbility, began in 2009 in Montréal as a grassroots initiative to close the gap in accessible swim lessons. Recognizing the unique barriers faced by children with disabilities in traditional aquatic programs, a group of student volunteers created a model centred around individualized attention, low cost, and high impact.
meet the national board
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![Camille Neyson smiling in the forest]()
Camille Neyson
President
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![Anna Barbour smiling in front of the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa]()
Anna Barbour
Vice-President
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![Benjamin Levesque Kinder smiling and holding up two peace signs while running in a triathlon]()
Benjamin Lévesque Kinder
Director of Chapter Relations
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![Matthew Angoh smiling in a headshot]()
Matthew Angoh
Director of Monitoring and Evaluations
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![Sydney Bucci smiling int with high rise buildings in the background]()
Sydney Bucci
Director of Risk Management
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![Kiera Lee smiling in front of a brick wall]()
Kiera Lee
Director of Chapter Relations
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![David Jin doing a thumbs up at a safari]()
David Jin
Director of Chapter Relations
our mission
To provide affordable and accessible one-on-one swimming lessons to children with disabilities across Canada.
Our vision
A Canada where every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to feel safe, confident, and included in the water.
Our values
Our values include accessibility, community, compassion, empowerment and inclusion.
