WaterStrong
Mission
The WaterStrong mission is to end drowning and promote safer, cleaner waters, destroying barriers along the way.
Bottom Line
Be the current. Become WatersStrong. WaterStrong is saving lives, empowering people in and around water. Founded in 2016, WaterStrong has grown to be recognized as the community nonprofit for water safety. In 2026 alone, we have reached 2,042 Portland area families, delivered 1,960 lifejackets and safety whistles, engaged 322 volunteers, welcomed 215 EcoSwim participants and 45 adult learners, trained 90 community members in First Aid CPR, and certified 32 new lifeguards.
Led by volunteers, our programs destroy barriers and engage whole families. EcoSwim clinics build core water confidence in survival swimming and environmental education around water. Hello, Water community science tracks water quality at popular swim locations. Lifejacket distribution and water safety outreach delivers essential life-saving gear and education to families where they naturally recreate.
We are water safety ambassadors. If our work helps to save just one life in one year, we will be successful. We're doing better than that. Swim! Learn! Thrive! |
Quote
“You could see the excitement on their faces before they got in the water, and once in, you could notice their efforts, happiness, and joy. Afterward, I listened to their words, which were filled with joy and gratitude.” - Habiba Payandanik, Pacific Refugee Support Group
Incentives
All campaign:
Give anything, get a WaterStrong sticker.
For the first 20 gifts of $50, get a SwimSense test kit, designed for open water swims.
For the first 50 gifts of $100 or more, get an organic cotton Turkish towel embroidered with our tagline Swim! Learn! Thrive! – or – a long sleeve UV WaterStrong hoodie shirt
Kickoff Week 1: Win a gift certificate for free auto services for your hybrid vehicle at Atomic Auto (value $140, x4)
Be the current. Become WaterStrong.
- * Ebb & Ember. Greet the morning sun from a sauna on the Columbia every Friday, 6-9a for just $25. Reserve your spot
- * eNRG Kayaking. Intro to kayak/SUP classes (value $55, x4), 50% paddling adventure of your choice (value up to $500, x3)
* Portland Swimming. Learn to swim with Coach Laurie with 2 x 90-minute sessions (value: $400-480).
* ImHooked. A fishing day at Hagg Lake with ImHooked founder Wil Warren…in warmer weather (value: priceless)
- Be in community.
- * Madrina Cocina Mexicana. Thursday, November 12th and Wednesday, December 16th, 5-9p. 18% of dinner sales will be donated to WaterStrong. Enjoy friendly Mexican cuisine in the heart of Portland. Make your reservation now at Madrina.
* pFriem Beer. Have a beer by the water. Gift certificates from pFriem Brewery in Milwaukie (value $50, x2)
- Be in good health.
* Gift certificates from Natural Grocers (value $30, x2)
* Therapy with the nurturing Victoria Hafoka at Enrich Therapy (value $225, x3) - * 1 gallon of unfiltered, unpasteurized local honey from Vancouver Bees (value $75)
Gift Matching
- Johnson & Johnson: 2x matching gift up to $5,000
Anonymous: 1x matching matching gift up to $1,000 – UNLOCKED!
Partner(s)
Ebb & Ember floating sauna. Nestled in the North Portland Harbor at Elevated Tides Marina, Ebb & Ember is a Norwegian-inspired sauna boat offering a traditional sauna and cold plunge experience with social sauna sessions designed for solo guests, friends, and small groups, as well as private bookings for up to 10 guests. Sauna-goers cycle between the warmth of the sauna, the crisp river breeze, and invigorating dips in the Columbia. Join us for sunrise swim + sauna on Friday mornings, 6-9a! A portion of sales will be donated to WaterStrong. https://www.ebbandember.com/
eNRG Kayaking. One of the premier paddling schools in the Pacific Northwest, eNRG runs comprehensive paddling programs, guided tours, and rentals across Oregon on Rafts, Kayaks, Stand-Up Paddleboards, Tubes, and Canoes. The eNRG team includes Olympic champions, river rescue experts, ACA instructor trainers, and dedicated river mentors. https://enrgkayaking.com/about/. eNRG Kayaking is donating 4, Intro to Kayak/SUP lessons (value 4 x $55) and 3, 50% choose your own paddle adventure discounts (value 3 x $500).
Madrina. The best Mexican food in town, this woman-owned family business is run by the indomitable Lucy De Leon, a Troutdale native and passionate about water safety in her community. Look for gift certificates, and join us for dinner at Madrina on November 12th and December 16th. A generous 18% of dinner sales will be donated to WaterStrong! https://www.madrinapdx.com/
Portland Swimming, Coach Laurie Kilbourn. Learn to swim with a top-notch coach! Coach Laurie is donating two 90-minute sessions (value $400-480) https://portlandswimming.com/
Victoria Hafoka, Enrich Therapy: Tori Hafoka is a lifetime adventurer and nurturing trauma-informed therapist. She is donating 3 sessions to WaterStrong for this Give!Guide campaign (value 3 x $225). https://www.enrichtherapy.org/
Atomic Auto. Atomic Auto is the top Prius repair shop in the region, servicing hybrids and EVs, specializing in Toyota, Lexus and Honda. Atomic Auto is donating complimentary intermediate services for your Toyota hybrid. (value 6 x $140) https://atomicauto.com/
WaterStrong is in the Education category .
They're a micro-sized organization with activities in Clackamas Co., Multnomah Co., Washington Co. and beyond.