By Linda Dulye, Founder/President, Dulye Leadership Experience

A year ago, Safe Swim Berkshires was merely an idea. By November 2024, a single networking connection propelled it into action.

I co-founded this free water safety program with Pittsfield Public Schools teacher Jennifer Roccabruna, after a virtual introduction by YMCA leader Jessica Rumlow. Bonded by grief over the tragic drowning of a local youth during a July 2024 school trip, Jen and I quickly realized in our first meeting that we also shared a vision: to ensure it never happens again. Together, we set an ambitious goal–to give every Pittsfield middle school student essential water safety skills at no cost.

We launched our pilot in April 2025–after months of detailed planning with local aquatics leaders, engaging parents from cultures where water has no recreational ties, coordinating door-to-pool transportation, enlisting volunteer instructors and assembling swim bags stocked with supplies.

More than 20 youths–most with little or no swimming ability, and still grieving their classmate’s death–took their first strokes. Over five days, they gained lifesaving water knowledge, personal confidence, and leadership skills through one-on-one lessons and group interactions. The transformation was visible in their words and actions–and just as profound for Jen, me, and our volunteers. We all felt that euphoric sense of making a lasting difference.

Building on that success, Safe Swim Berkshires has entered a new phase with the Berkshire Family YMCA as its coordinating hub. Earlier this month, volunteer instructors once again rearranged their schedules to coach our second cohort of students. Working alongside Y leaders, lifeguards, and staff, they created a supportive, encouraging environment where fears were shed and pride took root.

What began as a grassroots initiative is now a fully embedded YMCA program. To expand our free water safety sessions, an ambitious $25,000 fundraising campaign has begun to cover swim gear, round-trip transportation, snacks, water instruction, and mentoring. The community’s response has been astounding. Over a week’s time, more than $13,000 in donations has been received from local groups and residents–fueling momentum toward year-round programming.

What started as a chance connection between two has grown into a movement that is transforming a community. Proof of the power of networking: every connection holds the potential to change lives–including your own.

See Safe Swim Berkshires kids in action in this WTEN-TV coverage of the August session.