In 2014, Happy Dolphins started as a project, today it is a non profit operating on the north shore of the Dominican Republic: our aim is to enhance lives through training/certification in lifesaving, swimming, water sports and the respect for the ocean. Mission: To bring confidence, joy, a sense of hope and wholeness to the underprivileged children of the North Shore of the Dominican Republic, through water sports, swimming, lifesaving and the connection with the ocean. The heart of Happy Dolphins Project is located in Playa Encuentro, at 321Takeoff Surf School, Cabarete, where children and youth learn and practice the water sports disciplines of surfing, wind surfing, kite surfing and SUP. Happy Dolphins reaches to children, young women and men of the coastal communities of the North Shore of the Dominican Republic through:
1. CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS for swimming and lifesaving.
- swim trainer certifications
- lifeguard certification training for local youth
2. SURF CAMPS - Over a 6-week period, the Happy Dolphins Summer Surf Camp will teach 200 children, ages 10 to 16 from Cabarete and Puerto Plata in 2020. ENVIRONMENT and SAFETY - Adopt a Beach Program|Adopta una Playa: Happy Dolphins is developing a program which consists of assigning a specific beach to each existing foundation, from La Boca to Playa Canal. This way each group will create a profound connection learn about the fauna and flora of their assigned stretch of beach, study the sea currents and swimming safety hazards and work on signage for visitors to prevent drowning accidents. All certificatins are conducted under the supervision of internationally certified lifeguards and instructors with vast experience. Happy Dolphins sees the ocean as a vital source of life, ever playful, immense, soothing and healing. CREW:
-Patricia Hiraldo: Project Director
- Mara Vega: Program Manager
- Lia Hiraldo: Communications Specialist
