My name is Alissa Magrum, and I am a Leadville resident, a member of Swim Squared, a lifelong swimmer, swim instructor, lifeguard, and water safety advocate. I lead the Lake County Water Safety Task Force and serve as Executive Director of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance. I am creating this GoFundMe to help keep Swim Squared, owned by Eric and Bethany Godsman, open for our community.

Swim Squared is the highest elevation swimming pool in the country and is here in Leadville, Colorado. After the local Lake County aquatic facility closed in 2021, Swim Squared became the only place within 45 minutes for anyone in the area to learn to swim. Since opening in 2023, Eric and Bethany have provided free swimming lessons to over 150 Leadville children, making a huge impact on the community- and providing a space for residents and visitors to swim.

This year has been especially tough for Swim Squared. A severe drought, lack of snow, and a recent wildfire have made it difficult for the pool to stay open. Tourism is critical to the Leadville economy, and without Swim Squared, children, community members and visitors will lose access to swim lessons, fitness swimming, aquatic rehab, and physical therapy swimming. The owners are now facing the possibility of closing their doors in the next few months unless they receive support.

Your donation will help cover operating costs, staffing, and allow Swim Squared to continue offering free swim lessons for local children. By supporting this fundraiser, you’re helping keep a vital resource open for Leadville and ensuring that everyone has a safe place to swim, learn, and heal. Please join us in keeping Swim Squared open for the community!