The Devin and Conner Dewald Memorial Fund: Turning Personal Loss Into Life-Saving Legacy
Every parent's worst nightmare became reality for Anatasia Dewald on June 13th, 2005, when her twin children, Devin and Conner, tragically drowned at their daycare center. From this devastating loss emerged a powerful mission: ensuring no other family would have to endure similar heartbreak.
A Mother's Mission
In 2008, Anatasia began her journey of transforming grief into purpose. She dedicated herself to teaching essential water safety skills, working one-on-one with children and families. Her commitment led to the establishment of Squiddles Swim School in 2018, which has since provided life-saving swimming instruction to over 3,000 children.
The Birth of the Memorial Fund
In 2024, Anatasia took another significant step forward by establishing the Devin and Conner Dewald Memorial Fund, a 501c3 nonprofit organization. This fund exists with one clear purpose: preventing accidental drownings through accessible water safety education for all communities.
Why This Matters
Drowning can seem like an isolated tragedy that strikes out of nowhere, but did you know that according to the Children’s Safety Network, every year in the United States, 945 children drown to death? Nearly all of these are under four years old. Furthermore, most of these children drown in home swimming pools. Children make up 1 out of every 4 drowning victims in our country.
Every statistic represents a family, a story, and a life that could have been saved through proper water safety education. This reality drives our mission every day at Squiddles Swim School and the Memorial Fund.
Our Impact and Your Role
The Memorial Fund works to ensure that financial constraints never prevent a child from learning essential survival swimming skills. Through community partnerships and generous donations, we provide:
Scholarships for survival swim lessons
Water safety education programs
Community outreach initiatives
Resources for families in need
How You Can Make a Difference
1: Direct Donations
Your tax-deductible contributions directly fund survival swim lessons for families in need. Every dollar helps protect another child from drowning. If you’re passionate about preventing this tragedy from striking another family, please consider donating from $10 and up to our memorial fund.
2: Not Able to Donate? Consider These Other Ways to Support Our Mission:
Host a Fundraiser: Organize events or campaigns to support our mission.
In-Kind Donations: Contribute essential supplies through our Amazon Wishlist or donate new, unused towels.
Partnership Opportunities: Connect us with schools and community centers to expand our reach.
Raise Awareness: Follow and share our message on Instagram @squiddles_Swimschool.
3: Scholarship Applications
We believe every child deserves access to life-saving swim lessons. Families in need can apply for assistance through our scholarship program. Email swimschool@squiddles.net to learn more.
A Legacy of Love and Safety
The Devin and Conner Dewald Memorial Fund stands as a testament to the power of turning profound loss into meaningful action. Through education, accessibility, and community support, we work tirelessly to prevent other families from experiencing the devastating impact of drowning accidents.
Your support helps us honor Devin and Conner's memory by protecting other children and families. Together, we can create safer communities and ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn essential water safety skills and no family has to endure the untimely passing of their little ones.
To donate or learn more about our programs, please contact us at swimschool@squiddles.net
