Breaking Barriers and Building Confidence: The Mission of Black Girls Boat and For the Love of Water Foundation

Stefanie Saleem and Juawana Colbert are co-founders of Black Girls Boat and the For the Love of Water Foundation, both of these groups are on a mission to make boating and water activities accessible and enjoyable for everyone, particularly those from underrepresented communities.

Empowering Black Women and Communities through Boating and Swimming

Black Girls Boat began as a social club with a simple yet powerful goal: to encourage more Black women to embrace swimming and boating. The For the Love of Water Foundation, offers free swimming lessons to underserved communities, giving more people the chance to feel comfortable and confident in the water.

Currently, they operate in several locations, including Westchase, New Tampa, and Westshore, with plans to continue expanding. By partnering with local swim instructors, they provide accessible lessons to individuals who might otherwise not have the opportunity to learn.

Creating Safe and Welcoming Spaces on the Water

Boating can be intimidating, especially for those new to the water. Juawana highlighted the importance of making sure guests on board feel comfortable and safe. She emphasizes that when running a boat, it's essential to take the time to show your guests where safety equipment like life jackets is located. Some people might feel embarrassed or nervous to ask, but addressing these concerns upfront can help everyone relax and enjoy the experience.

Safety remains a priority for Stefanie, even though she’s a certified scuba diver and a strong swimmer. She always wears her life jacket when boating, especially as the captain, because anything can happen out on the water. Another crucial safety feature she demonstrated was the kill switch—a device that instantly stops the engine if the captain is thrown from their seat, adding an extra layer of security.

Empowering Women through Education: Women on Water Classes

MarineMax’s Women on Water classes offer hands-on boating education tailored specifically for women. These classes provide an invaluable opportunity for women to learn in a supportive environment, covering everything from safety gear and boat handling to docking and understanding the rules of the water. 

Even seasoned boaters can benefit from ongoing education and training. Repetition is key to building confidence, and each class offers a chance to pick up on things you might have missed before. They are offered nationwide and are a great way to gain skills and confidence on the water.

Challenging Stereotypes and Inspiring Future Generations

Stefanie’s personal journey into boating was fueled by her desire to challenge stereotypes. Growing up in Queens, New York, she never imagined herself driving a boat. Today, she’s breaking down barriers and inspiring young Black women and children to see themselves as boaters. Through initiatives like Black Girls Boat, she’s not just promoting boating but also creating visibility for Black women in spaces where they have been historically underrepresented.

The Power of Safety, Comfort, and Community

Making Boating Accessible to All

Stefanie and Juawana are not just enjoying the water; they’re opening doors for others. Through Black Girls Boat and the For the Love of Water Foundation, they’re creating pathways for underrepresented communities to engage with water activities, learn essential skills, and feel empowered in environments where they might have previously felt excluded.

Boating, for these women, is about more than just the water—it’s about community, safety, and the confidence that comes from overcoming fears. As they continue to grow their organizations, they’re inspiring others to take the helm, literally and figuratively, and embrace all the possibilities that boating and water activities have to offer.

What’s Your Most Important Thing in Boating?

Stefanie and Juawana are redefining what it means to be on the water. For them, the most important aspects of boating vary but share common threads of safety, empowerment, and breaking down barriers. What about you? What’s the most important thing in boating for you?

Let’s continue to support these incredible initiatives, and who knows? Maybe we’ll see you out on the water soon!