MISSION STATEMENT:
OUR MISSION IS TO PREVENT SENSELESS DEATHS FROM UNDERWATER BLACKOUT THROUGH AWARENESS AND EDUCATION.
Our Goals:
To ban prolonged breath-holding in pools for the general public.*
To educate parents and children on the risks and dangers of underwater breath-holding and the dangers of breath-holding games.
To advocate for warning tags on the dangers and risks of underwater breath-holding on all freediving, spearfishing, and snorkeling equipment.
To encourage all freedivers and spearfishers to receive safety training.
* We believe qualified breath-hold freedive training agencies need access to public pools during non-general public usage with lifeguards on duty. Using the buddy system, proper supervision, and training protocols with continuous monitoring, along with waivers by participants to protect the facility and staff, if the freedivers and facility feel that freediving may be practiced safely.
““And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.””
Officers/Directors:
Rhonda Dawes Milner, MD – Founder and Chairman
Chadwick Watson – Vice-Chairman
Gene W. Milner Jr. – Treasurer
Patricia Watson – Secretary
STAFF
Britt Jackson – Executive Director
Erin Watson - Program Director
ADVISORY BOARD
Tom Griffiths, Ed.D. - Chairman of Advisory Board
Bob Bowman, USA Swim Coach
Gareth Hedges, General Manager for U.S. Operations at Lynxight
Karen A. Curreri, Mother of Victim
Layla Alo Caballero, Aunt of Victim
Michelle Brislen, Wife of Victim
Dr. Rachel Griffiths, Aquatic Safety Research Group
Ted Harty, Immersionfreediving.com, Professional Freediver
Megan Melgaard, Assistant Athletic Director of Aquatic Operations and Administration at USNA
Vasas Szilvia M.D., Pulmonary Specialist
Alex Volk, Competitive surfer
Sharon and Gary Washbourne, Aunt and Uncle of SWB victim. Founders of Shallow Water Blackout Australia
AMBASSADORS
Layla Alo Caleberro, Tampa FL
Nicholas Smith, Miami FL
Dean Woodly, Austin TX
Chandler and Erin Watson, Annapolis MD
Gabrielle Watson, Annapolis MD
Karen Curreri, Corona Del Mar CA
Michelle Brislen, San Clemente CA
Sharon Washbourne, Sydney AU
Marc Pedrotti, Mission KS
Ashley Alonzo, Mineola NY
Caitlin MacDougald, Sacramento NY
Nikki Scarnati, Spring Hill FL
Sarah Wiseman, Scotland
Jeevan Dosanjh, Walnut Creek CA
Leslie Ruybal, MD, Loveland CO
Jessica McQueen, British Columbia
Kara Gibler, Kailua HI
JUNIOR AMBASSADORS
Jeannine Zoch, Orange CA
Sage Brislen, San Clemente CA
Adelaide Brislen, San Clemente CA
Maile Lyle, Corona Del Mar CA
Haileigh Hoeppner, Newport Beach CA
Isabella Del Castillo, Santa Monica CA
FRIENDS OF SWBP
Bill Baker (Rec. swimmer)
Brian Francis (Friend of SWB victim, Red's Outfitters)
Amanda Gonzales (Mother of SWB survivor)
Jeremiah Gonzales (Father of SWB survivor)
Salena Gonzales (SWB survivor)
Amanda Balius (cousin of SWB victim)
Dean Haller (Father of SWB victim)
Helen McSwain, M.D. (Sister of SWB victim)
Julian Ottley (Survivor of SWB)
John and Sandy Pilotte (Parents of SWB survivor)
Susan Proce (Mother of SWB victim)
Deede Sharpe (Girlfriend of SWB victim)
Crawford Sites (Spearfisherman and friend of SWB victim)
Rob Sleamaker (Friend of SWB victim)
Julie Tate (Mother of SWB survivor)
Katie Tate (Survivor of SWB)
Gary Thill (Interactive Director, Pool and Spa News, Aquatics International at Hanley Wood)