I’m swimming 28.5 miles around Manhattan — all 20 bridges — so New York kids don’t have to miss swim lessons just because of money.

My name is Dan. I’m a husband, father, small business owner, and swim coach. I train 6 days a week, swim 40–45 km, and still go home to answer emails, pay bills, and try to be present for my family. I’m not a superhero. I’m just someone who grew up in the water and knows what it can do for a life.

Swimming gave me an athletic scholarship, brought me to this country, and made me an All-American and a national champion. It took me across the Strait of Gibraltar and the Bonifacio Strait. Now I’m taking on 20 Bridges — not for another medal, but so kids who can’t afford lessons get a real chance in the water.

Here’s the plan:

$559 = 1 full scholarship

Each scholarship = 8 swim lessons + gear + pool access at a Midtown Manhattan pool

Starting goal: 40 kids

After that, every extra $559 funds one more child

Your donation doesn’t go to some abstract cause. It turns directly into lessons for a real kid who would otherwise be watching from the side.

I’ll take care of the miles — the cold water, the currents, the long training days.

If you can, please help take care of the scholarships:

donate what feels right

share this page with a friend

leave a message to keep me going on the hard days

Thank you for helping turn 20 bridges into 40 futures — and hopefully many more.