Splash for the Brave: How Little Fins Swim School Brought the Community Together to Honor Local Heroes
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Author: Deana Ratliffe is a certified Infant Safety Swim (ISS) Instructor and Marketing Specialist at Little Fins Swim School in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Splash for the Brave at Little Fins Swim School became one of the most meaningful community events of the year. Families, military members, first responders, teachers, and volunteers all came together for a powerful day of connection, gratitude, and celebration. If you’re wondering “What is Splash for the Brave?” or “How does Little Fins support military and first responder families?” This recap shares everything that made the event so special.
What Is Splash for the Brave?
Splash for the Brave is an annual community event hosted by Little Fins Swim School in Colorado Springs. The purpose is simple but deeply impactful: to honor the brave individuals who serve our community, including military personnel, first responders, and educators. The event brings families together for free swimming, safety awareness, food, and fun.
Families, Heroes, and the Community Filled the Pool Deck
From the moment the doors opened, families walked in with excitement and gratitude. Children jumped into the water ready to float, play, and practice their swim skills, while parents connected with other families who share similar experiences living in Colorado Springs.
Military families arrived with pride, many sharing stories of service and sacrifice. First responders, firefighters, EMTs, and police officers, came with their families to enjoy a rare moment of rest and community. Local teachers joined the celebration too, recognizing the importance of water safety and feeling appreciated for all they do.
This combination of families and local heroes created a powerful reminder of why community events like this matter.
Little Fins Instructors Volunteered Their Time to Serve
A standout part of Splash for the Brave was the incredible dedication of the Little Fins instructor team. Many instructors volunteered their day off to work with kids, lead activities, and make sure every swimmer felt supported and safe.
Parents commented on the positive energy and encouragement coming from the deck. Kids floated with confidence, practiced safety skills, and bonded with instructors who truly love what they do.
Their volunteerism demonstrated exactly what makes Little Fins Swim School special — a team that shows up with heart.
Papa’s North Italian Donated Pizza to Feed the Crowd
No community celebration is complete without great food, and Papa’s North Italian stepped up in a big way. They generously donated pizza for the entire event, filling the room with the smell of fresh, authentic Italian slices that brought families together around the table.
Kids grabbed a slice after swimming, parents connected over their favorite flavors, and local heroes enjoyed a well-deserved meal. Papa’s North Italian helped turn Splash for the Brave into not just an event, but a shared experience.
FOX21 News Covered the Event and Shared It With Colorado Springs
We were honored to welcome FOX21 News, who attended Splash for the Brave to highlight the impact of the event. Their team interviewed families, captured joyful moments, and shared the mission behind Little Fins Swim School: teaching life-saving swim skills while building strong community connections.
Local news coverage amplified the message of gratitude, helping more families learn about water safety and the support Little Fins provides to military and first responder communities.
Why Splash for the Brave Matters
Splash for the Brave wasn’t just a fun day at the pool. It was a reminder of what makes Colorado Springs so special:
Community support
Gratitude for our heroes
Businesses giving back
Families celebrating together
Kids learning life-saving swim skills
Events like this strengthen the bonds between families, instructors, local businesses, and the brave people who serve our city every day.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Little Fins Swim School extends a sincere thank you to:
Our military families
First responders
Teachers and school staff
All families who attended
Our amazing volunteer instructors
Papa’s North Italian for donating pizza
FOX21 News for sharing the story
Everyone who helped make this day unforgettable
Splash for the Brave showed us what it means to stand together as a community, and we are already looking forward to next year’s event.
Looking for More Information?
Q: What is Splash for the Brave?
A community event by Little Fins Swim School honoring military, first responders, and teachers with free swimming, activities, and family fun.
Q: Where does Splash for the Brave take place?
Little Fins Swim School in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Q: Who can attend?
Military families, first responders, teachers, and community members.
Q: Why does Little Fins host this event?
To say thank you and bring the community together through swimming, safety, and connection
About the Author
Deana Ratliffe is a certified Infant Safety Swim (ISS) Instructor and Marketing Specialist at Little Fins Swim School in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
With a degree in Communications and more than a decade of experience in education and community engagement, Deana blends her expertise in child development, storytelling, and water safety to create content that educates, empowers, and inspires families.
Since joining Little Fins in 2021, Deana has taught hundreds of children lifesaving swim skills through the Swim–Float–Swim® and Infant Survival Swim methods. In 2023, she expanded her role to Marketing Specialist, helping families across Colorado discover the confidence, joy, and safety that come with expert swim instruction.
Passionate about drowning prevention and family education, Deana’s writing reflects her mission to make water safety accessible, engaging, and actionable for every parent.
Safety first. Skills for life. Awareness for the world.
Follow her work at www.LittleFinsSwimSchool.com or on Instagram @LittleFinsSwimSchool.