Indoor public pools belong to the public
Friends of Philly Aquatics
Promoting access and equity in swimming and public pools across Philadelphia.
Our Mission
"Our mission is to promote access and equity in swimming and indoor public pools, with a special focus on strengthening public indoor pool infrastructure to ensure year-round access."
We are a grassroots team of minority women turning years of advocacy into direct action at Hartranft: opening lanes, building lifeguard and instructor pipelines, and keeping water safety rooted in the neighborhoods that need it most.
Host partner
The Philadelphia Housing Authority connected FOPA with the Hartranft Aquatic Education Center, helping make free public access possible.
2026
Hartranft opens
FOPA moved from advocacy into pool management at the Hartranft Aquatic Education Center.
$1,200
Earn to Learn stipends
Youth ages 15-17 are paid while they learn to swim, train, and build a path toward certification.
$1,000
Parent instructor stipends
Village at the Water participants train as capable guardians and future Water Safety Instructors.
Our Story
From locked doors to holding the keys
We grew up in the lanes of Marcus Foster, Pickett, Sayre, and Rhodes. Those pools were year-round anchors until temporary closures became permanent locks on the door.
FOPA was born from the frustration of seeing access slow-walked while lives were at stake. In 2026, we stepped into pool management because the answer to "If not us, then who?" had become clear.
Read our full storyPrograms
What We Offer
Summer Camp
A collaborative program with church, recreation, and community partners that helps youth navigate different bodies of water while building connection.
Earn to Learn
A swim-to-lifeguard pipeline for young Philadelphians, supported by stipends, academic check-ins, resume building, and certification prep.
Village at the Water
A parent-centered home and water safety initiative reclaiming public pools as safe havens for families and neighborhoods.
Wooder Log
Follow the visual ripple effect
From swim class graduates to Earn to Learn cohorts in action, Wooder Log captures the people reclaiming Philadelphia's pools.
Get Involved
Help keep indoor public pools open
Support our work with a donation, sign up for updates, or reach out about partnerships, programs, and public pool advocacy.