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Why I’m Asking for Help ?
Drowning is the #1 cause of death for autistic and neurodivergent children. Yet too often, these kids are excluded from traditional swim programs because they learn differently, need more patience, or require adaptive support.
I founded McWave Swim Instruction with one mission: To make water safety accessible, affordable, and empowering for children with autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, and other special needs.
This isn’t a side project — it’s the heart of what I do. Every lesson is tailored with sensory-friendly tools, visual supports, and trust-based teaching. I’ve seen the water unlock bravery, joy, and calm in children who were once too afraid to even put their faces in.
What We Need Right Now
To keep McWave running strong this season, I need your help to secure: A sensory-friendly winter pool rental -so lessons continue all year. Adaptive aquatic tools ,floating mats, belts, visual schedules, waterproof PECS for nonverbal swimmers.
• Scholarships for families in need because cost should never be a barrier to water safety. Competing programs charge up to $112 per 40 minutes for special needs lessons. At McWave, I fight to keep lessons affordable so every family has access.
Here’s what your support can do:
• $50 → Provides adaptive tools for one child (like flotation belts or waterproof visuals).
• $100 Funds one scholarship lesson for a child who couldn’t otherwise afford it.
• $500 Covers a 3 months of pool rental, keeping lessons available year-round. $1,000 Secures an entire month of lessons in a safe, sensory-friendly environment. Our Goal
I’m asking for $4,700 to:
1. Secure our winter pool rental
2. Purchase essential adaptive equipment
3. Provide scholarships for families in need
This investment means dozens of children will gain the skills and courage to stay safe in the water, and parents will gain peace of mind.
Why this matters
These kids aren’t just learning strokes. They’re learning survival. They’re building confidence. They’re proving to themselves that they can.
Every donation no matter the size directly changes lives. Thank You
I don’t take asking for help lightly. But I believe in this mission with everything I have. Together, we can make sure no child is left behind when it comes to water safety.
If you can give, I’ll be beyond grateful. If not, even sharing this page with someone who might give is a huge help.
Thank you for standing with me — and with these incredible kids.
Molly McDade
Founder, McWave Swim Instruction