Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebekah Craig
Hi Rebekah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Aqua Angels launched summer 2021 and aims to prevent what happened to the sister of a Greenville businessman from happening to anyone else.
Leonard Pitts owns Brookside Pool in Mauldin. His sister, Angel, died in 2020 after accidentally drowning while on a fishing trip. Aqua Angels, a program that offers free swim lessons to adults, was launched in Angel’s honor.
Since 2021, we’ve offered over 1,500 adults the opportunity to learn essential swimming skills, with a focus on empowering women. Our partnerships with organizations like the American Red Cross and local community centers have expanded our reach, allowing us to offer free water safety workshops and CPR courses to hundreds of participants annually.
We understand the unique challenges adults face when learning to swim, including anxiety and past negative experiences. Our supportive environment helps individuals overcome these barriers, fostering confidence and promoting health and wellness.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all—while our mission is strong, the journey has come with challenges. One of our biggest hurdles has been securing locations willing to host our programming, as pool availability can be limited. Additionally, funding and donations are ongoing struggles. To continue providing free and low-cost swim lessons, we rely on community support to cover the costs of equipment, pool space, and other essential resources. Despite these challenges, we remain committed to breaking down barriers and making swimming accessible for all.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an entrepreneur and business owner of a local swim school that provides lessons for community members of all ages, from six months to adults. Additionally, I am the founder and executive director of Aqua Angels a nonprofit that offers free and low-cost swim lessons, water safety courses, and Red Cross certifications specifically for adults in our community.
I’ve been teaching swim lessons for nearly 20 years, and many of my clients have lovingly dubbed me “The Mermaid Maker.” What I’m most proud of is following God’s purpose for my life by creating Aqua Angels—a safe space for individuals who might not otherwise have access to swim lessons or water safety education.
What sets me apart is my deep passion for this work. I truly believe that teaching people to swim is more than just a skill—it’s a life-saving gift. I feel called to this mission and honored to share it with others while spreading love, inclusion and encouragement in the process.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
During COVID-19, one of the biggest challenges was getting clients to feel comfortable signing themselves or their children up for swim lessons due to concerns about contracting the virus. As a result, my clientele base decreased by about 50%, meaning fewer people were able to learn how to swim during 2020 and 2021.
This decline in swim education had a direct impact on drowning statistics, as fewer individuals received essential water safety training. The pandemic reinforced the importance of continued water safety education and the need for accessible swim lessons, even during uncertain times. It also highlighted the resilience and adaptability required to keep vital programs running despite unforeseen challenges.
Pricing:
- Adults – $40 registration fee, then lessons are FREE after that.
- Private Lessons – $40
- Semi – Private – $25 pp
- Small Group – $ 20pp
- Pre-Season Small Groups – $80 for 4 lessons
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aquaangels.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aqua_angelsnp/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AquaAngelsNP/
