Rays the Barr Foundation is hosting the 2nd Annual Operation Ripple Effect Swimming Challenge & Water Safety Fair as our primary fundraising event in 2025!

Registration is now open!

What is Operation Ripple Effect Swimming Challenge? It is a swimming fundraiser event where each registered swimmer asks their family to support them in the challenge, by donating to the organization. Then they swim as many laps as they can on the day of the event. Prizes will be awarded for swimmers that swim the most laps in their age group/experience levels and also the swimmers to raise the most money through their peer to peer fundraising efforts.

We will also be hosting a Water Safety Fair which will include a basket raffle, kids life jacket giveaway, a touch a truck or boat event, and more! The Water Safety Fair is open to the public. You do not have to register for the Swimming Challenge to attend.

Who can take part in Operation Ripple Effect Swimming Challenge? Although we want each swimmer to feel challenged, you do not need a competitive swimmer to participate. People over the age of 6 years old, that can swim the length of the pool, are invited to participate. You can swim any style that you enjoy: freestyle, breaststroke, sidestroke, or doggy paddle – it is all about participation and having fun!

There are 2 categories of swimmers: advanced/competitive or casual/leisure. The pool length is 20 yards. The advanced/competitive swimmers will have a 1 hour time frame, while the casual/leisure swimmers will have 45 minutes to swim as many laps as possible. The pool is 20 yards long and there will be 2-4 swimmers per lane. You can swim non-stop or take rest breaks as you need.

For more details and to register for the Operation Ripple Effect Swimming Challenge, click here.

Volunteers are needed to make this event a success! Please register here to be a volunteer. Any volunteer that also wants to swim in the swimming challenge, can register for free (no event t-shirt) or for $15 (w/ event t-shirt).

Basket Raffle items – If you or someone you know would like to donate a basket or item for the basket raffle, please email Sandy at sandy@raysthebarr.org.

This event helped us raise over $10,000 in 2024, which we are now using to pay for swimming lessons for children ages 18 mos – 6 years old!

Stay tuned as more details are released!

We look forward to seeing you on May 18th!