Meet your Founder

Hello, my name is Darnell Thomas, and it is my pleasure to introduce myself. I am a 17-year veteran for the Philadelphia Fire Department and a professional scuba diver, first responder, and water safety instructor. I had my first aquatic experience at the age of eight, and it made a significant impact on my life. At the age of fifteen, I became a junior lifeguard, and as a young adult I was employed with the City of Philadelphia as a lifeguard for the Department of Recreations. I grew up in the Strawberry Mansion section, which is the heart of North Philadelphia. Being a Black man in the inner city, I know how important it is to be in a program that keeps children and young adults striving to bring out the unique gifts within every person. My prayers and goals are to give back to the inner city and help a diverse community understand and enjoy aquatic life.