Two years ago, Buffalo Pond started with a simple idea: helping people feel safer and more confident in and around the ocean. What began as a small initiative has grown steadily, shaped by the people who joined us in the water along the way. As we mark Buffalo Pond’s second anniversary, we wanted to take a moment to look back on what we’ve built so far and to share what’s coming next.
But First, Let’s Celebrate
To mark this milestone, we’re hosting a 2-year anniversary celebration, and we’d love for you to join us.
📅 Date: Friday, February 13, 4pm-6pm
📍 Location: Mandalika Beach Club
🎈 What to expect: Swimming, Pool toys and snack!
Where It Started
Buffalo Pond was created in response to a clear gap. Despite living close to the ocean, many people in the community had limited access to water safety education and few opportunities to build confidence in the water.
From the beginning, the focus was on practical learning: showing up regularly, creating a safe and respectful environment, and meeting people where they were. Sessions were designed to be accessible, progressive, and grounded in trust.
Over time, Buffalo Pond grew through word of mouth, local partnerships, and the commitment of participants who kept coming back, sometimes hesitant at first, often more confident with each session.
What the Past Two Years Have Looked Like
Over the past two years, this work has taken concrete shape:
- Over 50 First Aid and CPR programs delivered
- 150 children completed a 10-week learn-to-swim program
- 50 ongoing scholarship lessons, supporting access to swimming education
- Over 50 women participated in water safety and nanny training programs
- 150 students from the Islamic Deaf Society received adapted lessons
- Two defibrillators and one training defibrillator fundraised for and acquired
- Over 500 pairs of goggles donated to community members
- Partnerships developed with organisations such as OceanFolx
These numbers reflect consistent, hands-on work carried out alongside the community.
What We’ve Learned
These two years have reinforced something we see every day: learning in the ocean takes time. Confidence doesn’t come all at once, and progress looks different for everyone.
We’ve learned the importance of consistency, patience, and listening. We’ve seen how small steps – entering the water, floating, breathing, understanding conditions – can have a real impact, not just during sessions but beyond them.
Water safety is not only about skills. It’s about trust, community, and feeling supported while learning something that can feel intimidating. Observable change is evidence and it’s where our work matters most.
What Comes Next
As Buffalo Pond enters its third year, the intention remains the same: to provide accessible, community-based water safety and ocean confidence programs.
Our focus moving forward is on strengthening existing programs, deepening partnerships, and ensuring that training, equipment, and learning opportunities remain accessible to those who need them most.
There is still a lot to build, and we’re taking it step by step.
Thank You
Buffalo Pond wouldn’t exist without the people who support it, participants, families, volunteers, partners, and friends. This work is collective, and every session and program is made possible through shared commitment.
Thank you for your trust and for being part of this journey.
See you soon, in and out of the water.
