Live Water Foundation

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Live Water Foundation Paddle. Inspire. Empower - 501(c)(3) non-profit organization We are a Combined Federal Campaign member - #43377

Every action we make is with the intention of fostering a community centered around a commitment to environmental stewardship, equitable access to water activity for youth in Annapolis, and serving our military veterans who have so bravely served for us. We “paddle with a purpose” by infusing our favorite activity with our core values and empowering those we work with to do the same. About our programs:
💧Wai Koa (Hawaiian for “Water Warrior” and pronounced why–ko–uh) is a supplemental adaptive sports program that seeks to enhance the quality of life for physically and mentally disabled veterans, active military, and first responders through stand up paddleboarding. Additionally, we join members of Team Red, White, and Blue (Team RWB) and Wounded Warrior Project for outdoor adventures like paddle tours, and hands-on activities such as park clean-ups and beautification efforts.

đź’§Our Junior Wai Koa program allows us to provide an unforgettable summer experience for children living in communities of the Housing Authority of the City of Annapolis (HACA). For six weeks of summer, members of Live Water Foundation take children out once a week and teach them the basic skills of paddle boarding in a fun, community oriented environment that intrinsically motivates personal growth, physical movement, and feelings of solidarity.

💧For every veteran and youth program we run, we add an environmental initiative. Historically, this has been building oyster cages, trash cleanups both on land and water, and water quality monitoring. In 2021, we began a full-service oyster cage operation to aid in the “Marylanders Grow Oysters” (MGO) project managed by the Oyster Recovery Partnership. Throughout the oyster growing season, our team inspects and maintains cages for the participants of MGO, removing all of the work for them.

As Anne Arundel County Public Schools students head back to the classroom tomorrow, we’re reminiscing about an amazing d...
08/23/2026

As Anne Arundel County Public Schools students head back to the classroom tomorrow, we’re reminiscing about an amazing day on the water with some of our swim program completers!

After working hard to build their swimming skills and confidence in the pool, we loved having the opportunity to get these kiddos out on Back Creek for a day of paddling, exploring, and a whole lot of fun!

We were joined by the incredible team from The Travis Manion Foundation, who spoke with the kids about resilience, character, and believing in themselves as they prepare for a new school year. To help them start the year off strong, every participant also received a backpack filled with school supplies!

The Live Water Foundation team guided the group around Back Creek, where one of the highlights was the kids’ excitement when they spotted bald eagles along the way!

Of course, no Live Water adventure is complete without some good food afterward! We wrapped up the day with fruit, juice boxes, snacks, and everyone’s favorite ... Chick-fil-A!

We’re so grateful for our partnership with the Travis Manion Foundation for helping us make this day about so much more than paddling. Our goal is always to help kids build confidence both on and off the water, and this was the perfect way to celebrate how far these swimmers have come while sending them into a new school year feeling encouraged, supported, and ready for what’s ahead.

Good luck tomorrow, kiddos! We know you’re going to do AMAZING things this year! 💙

“CAN WE COME BACK TOMORROW?! THIS WAS SO FUN!” Those were the words that perfectly summed up the first week of our six-w...
08/05/2026

“CAN WE COME BACK TOMORROW?! THIS WAS SO FUN!”

Those were the words that perfectly summed up the first week of our six-week Summer Swim Program!

We welcomed seven swimmers to the pool. Some jumped right in with excitement, while one friend was incredibly nervous and unsure about getting into the water. By the end of the session, she had built enough confidence to enjoy being in the water and couldn’t wait to come back next week.

Moments like these remind us why we do what we do. Watching confidence grow, fears turn into smiles, and children discovering what they’re capable of is what this program is all about.

Throughout the lesson, our swimmers practiced swim strokes, breath-holding techniques, floating, and treading water all while having a whole lot of fun!

As always, we wrapped up the session by sharing pizza, fruit, and juice together, and we were also able to send food home with each one of them.

Thank you Coach Josie Center Lane Swim School for hosting our program and providing such amazing coaches who make learning both safe and fun, thank you Ms. Patti Annapolis Police Department for helping identify youth in our community who would benefit most from this opportunity. Partnerships like these make programs like ours possible, and we are so grateful for your support.

A couple of weeks ago, Live Water Foundation had the pleasure of welcoming back an incredible group from The Sevens Foun...
07/21/2026

A couple of weeks ago, Live Water Foundation had the pleasure of welcoming back an incredible group from The Sevens Foundation! After connecting with them last year, we were so excited to get them back out on the water for another adventure.

The group of 27 campers and 9 mentors started the morning by learning about the local tributary we would be exploring. We talked about water safety, what to expect during our paddle, and some of the wildlife and natural beauty they might encounter along the way.

With everyone ready to go, we launched for a beautiful morning on the water filled with learning, laughter, and new experiences. Programs like these are a wonderful reminder of the power of connecting with nature, building confidence, and creating lasting memories together.

A huge thank you to The Sevens Foundation for spending the day with us!

💙 Building Confidence. Teaching Safety. Creating Lifelong Skills. 🏊‍♀️Our Junior Wai Koa programs have kicked off and we...
07/14/2026

💙 Building Confidence. Teaching Safety. Creating Lifelong Skills. 🏊‍♀️

Our Junior Wai Koa programs have kicked off and we can’t wait to share all the fun we have had!

At the end of June, we welcomed 12 campers from Box of Rain for a Swim Safety & Swim Refresher Day!

We started by discussing both on-land and water safety before heading into the pool, where our coaches assessed each swimmer’s current skill level to ensure everyone received instruction that met them where they were.

Our more experienced swimmers headed to the deep end to refine their swim strokes, practice treading water, improve breath control, and work on deep-water skills. Meanwhile, swimmers who were still building confidence stayed in the shallow end, where they focused on floating, breath work, basic swim strokes, treading water, and becoming more comfortable in the water.

Watching every participant challenge themselves, celebrate their progress, and cheer one another on was the highlight of the day. No matter their starting point, each swimmer left stronger and more confident than when they arrived.

To top off a fantastic day, everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch generously donated by . Thank you for helping keep our swimmers fueled and smiling!

Thank you for hosting us and to our incredible coaches, volunteers, and community partners for making days like this possible. Every lesson brings us one step closer to a safer, more confident generation around the water. đź’™

YouthPrograms DrowningPrevention

07/07/2026

New volunteer opportunities added for this week!

We've added two additional paddles to our schedule and we're looking for volunteers to join us on the water.

If you're looking for a meaningful way to give back, volunteer with us for one or all of our upcoming programs!

Whether you're an experienced paddler, or simply enjoy being on the water, your support helps create a safe, welcoming, and memorable experience for our participants.

Tuesday, July 7, youth paddle with the Sevens Foundation
📍 Back Creek, Annapolis
🕙 Volunteer Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday, July 8, youth paddle with TCP Youth
📍 Back Creek, Annapolis
🕤 Volunteer Time: 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Thursday, July 9, adult paddle with Active Military & Veterans
📍 Back Creek, Annapolis
🕥 Volunteer Time: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Whether you're joining us for one paddle or all three, we'd love to have you on the team!

Sign up to volunteer:

Youth paddles: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0944A8AB2DA3FFC70-64521741-junior #/

Adult paddles:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0944A8AB2DA3FFC70-64422680-waikoa #/

Thank you for helping us build confidence, connection, and community through the healing power of the water!

Volunteers Needed for our Wai Koa Paddling Program! Join the Live Water Foundation in supporting our Wai Koa Paddling Pr...
06/29/2026

Volunteers Needed for our Wai Koa Paddling Program!

Join the Live Water Foundation in supporting our Wai Koa Paddling Program! This program provides veterans, active duty service members, and their families with the opportunity to connect with one another, enjoy time on the water, and experience the physical and mental wellness benefits of paddling.

We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers (16+) to help create a safe, welcoming, and encouraging experience for our participants.

As a volunteer, you will welcome and encourage participants, assist participants as they get on and off paddleboards or kayaks, paddle alongside the group offering support and encouragement throughout the event, and most importantly help create a fun, positive, and inclusive environment!

Experience with stand-up paddleboarding is helpful but not required. We do ask that volunteers are comfortable on the water and are experienced swimmers.

Whether you're an experienced paddler or simply looking for a meaningful way to give back, we'd love to have you join us!

Sign up to volunteer here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0944A8AB2DA3FFC70-64422680-waikoa #/

Help us make a difference, one paddle at a time! Thank you for supporting those who have served through the healing power of the water.

For volunteers 16 years and older. Volunteer hours earned: 2 - 3 hours This volunteer opportunity is with our veterans. Volunteer expectations: Be present.Assist/encourage participants getting on paddleboards.Encourage. Experience with stand-up paddleboarding is desired but not mandatory but please....

Volunteers needed for our Junior Wai Koa Programs!Help us inspire confidence, build water safety skills, and create unfo...
06/29/2026

Volunteers needed for our Junior Wai Koa Programs!

Help us inspire confidence, build water safety skills, and create unforgettable summer memories for local youth!

We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to support our Junior Wai Koa Program. Whether you're joining us in the pool to teach children essential water safety and beginner swimming skills or out on the water supporting our paddling events, you'll play an important role in helping participants build confidence in and around the water while developing lifelong skills.

Pool Volunteers: We ask that volunteers are comfortable in the water and willing to help support swim instruction.

Paddling Volunteers: You'll have the option to volunteer on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or in a kayak. Since you'll be helping guide and support our young paddlers on the water, we ask that you choose the vessel you feel most comfortable using.

Most importantly, we ask that all volunteers bring a positive attitude, patience, and a willingness to encourage and support kids.

A background check is required for all volunteers working directly with youth.

Ready to make a difference this summer?

Sign up to volunteer here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0944A8AB2DA3FFC70-64521741-junior #/

Thank you for helping us create a safe, fun, and empowering experience for the next generation. We couldn't do it without amazing volunteers like you!

For volunteers 16 years and older. Since this event is with kids, a background check is required for volunteers over 18 years of age. LWF uses Anne Arundel County's volunteer background check program. Please use this link. For volunteers under 18 years of age, parental consent is required. Volunteer...

Live Water Foundation (LWF) has officially kicked off our 2026 summer programming season with Team RWB!Since 2017, LWF a...
06/23/2026

Live Water Foundation (LWF) has officially kicked off our 2026 summer programming season with Team RWB!

Since 2017, LWF and CapitalSUP have partnered to provide opportunities for Team RWB members to stay active, build connections, and enjoy the waterways of Annapolis. Nine years later, that commitment remains strong.

This past Saturday, nine Team RWB members joined LWF volunteers for a paddle through Back Creek. The morning was filled with great conversation, shared experiences, and stories from paddles dating back to 2017. Along the way, the group logged more than 3.5 km on the water, paddling both with and against the wind.

LWF’s summer programming continues through September, with Team RWB returning to the water each month.

Follow our journey and help us keep the momentum going!

On Friday, April 24, 2026, Coach Sammy led a group of 11 swimmers through another session focused on building confidence...
05/18/2026

On Friday, April 24, 2026, Coach Sammy led a group of 11 swimmers through another session focused on building confidence and strengthening water safety skills!

Word is spreading about the Live Water Foundation Spring Swim Program, and we were excited to welcome three returning swimmers from previous programs back to the pool! With a larger roster, Coach Patrick kept a watchful eye as lifeguard, while LWF made sure extra swimsuits and towels were available for any last-minute participants.

After class, everyone refueled with pizza and enjoyed a sweet treat from Always Ice Cream 🍕🍦

With three sessions left, we’ll continue helping these kids build the skills they need to succeed during the Summer Swim Test — and gain confidence that lasts far beyond the pool.

Every lesson creates memories, confidence, and opportunities for more best days.

Want to help make those days possible?
đź’™ Donate
đź’™ Volunteer
đź’™ Share our story using

Stay connected & follow our journey: Instagram & Facebook

Donate to support future sessions: livewaterfoundation.org

Volunteer: [email protected]

Together we’re turning the tide for Annapolis’ next generation of swimmers!

Volunteer LWFBestDay

“Can we do this again tomorrow?” 💙That’s the kind of energy our swimmers brought to week two and we’re here for it!On Fr...
05/01/2026

“Can we do this again tomorrow?” 💙

That’s the kind of energy our swimmers brought to week two and we’re here for it!

On Friday, April 17, Live Water Foundation held the second session of our 2026 Spring Swim Program at Center Lane Swim’s Edgewater location. Coach Josie led the group alongside Coach TJ, helping swimmers take on one of the biggest hurdles: putting their heads under water and trusting themselves to do it.

Eight enthusiastic returning swimmers jumped back in, continuing to build confidence, skills, and a growing love for the water with every lap.

After class, the group refueled with Chick-fil-A and, of course, ice cream from our amazing partner, Always Ice Cream. While enjoying their treats on the patio, swimmers got a special surprise when Adam Cohen, co-owner of Always Ice Cream, stopped by giving them the chance to say a heartfelt “thank you” in person.

Huge thank you to , , and the for continuing to show up for these kids and make moments like this possible.

With four sessions left, we’re just getting started and we’re going to make every moment count, in and out of the water!

Want to help create more “best days”?
Donate, volunteer, or share our story using at www.livewaterfoundation.org.

Follow along: Instagram & Facebook
Volunteer: [email protected]

Together, we’re turning the tide for Annapolis’ next generation of swimmers.

Volunteer LWFBestDay

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Annapolis, MD

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