WASHINGTON (August 17, 2026) - This summer, the Howard University Swim & Dive student-athletes, alumni and coaches made an impact far beyond the pool, giving their time and talents to bring water safety education, representation and the joy of aquatics to communities across the country.
 
Through the partnership with Diversity In Aquatics (DIA), members of the program participated in water safety initiatives from Houston to Montgomery County, Md., to Irvine, Calif.
 
MAKING A SPLASH IN HOUSTON
 
Howard continues to be a champion for water safety both in and out of the pool.
 
During International Water Safety Day, team captain Ty Triche (Humble, Texas) joined Diversity In Aquatics (DIA) and Coach Miriam Lynch, Ph.D, who is DIA's Executive Director and Johnny Means Aquatics for Houston's International Water Safety Festival.
 
Triche is part of a growing tradition of Howard swimmers and divers located in the Houston area volunteering at DIA events and using their platform to bring water safety, confidence and the joy of aquatics back to their communities.
 
"We thank Ty for his time and energy to help families learn lifesaving water safety skills," said Howard Director of Swimming & Diving Nicholas Askew. "We are proud of Ty and the entire Howard Swim & Dive family for continuing to lead through service."
 
100 BLACK MEN CHAMPION WATER SAFETY
 
Truth, service, representation and water safety in action when Howard joined Diversity In Aquatics and the 100 Black Men in Montgomery County for a powerful community water safety event, focused on giving more children the knowledge, skills and confidence to be safer around water.
 
Coaches Salim King and Alana Josey helped bring water safety education and the joy of aquatics directly to families, along with Olympian Cullen Jones. Their presence was especially meaningful as they continue working to address drowning disparities affecting Black men and boys and increase positive representation, access and opportunities in aquatics.
 
"Thank you Diversity In Aquatics and 100 Black Men in showing young people that being a champion goes far beyond competition," Askew expressed. "It also means showing up, giving back and helping save lives."
 
FROM HOWARD TO TOYOTA NATIONALS

It was a big day in the Golden State when Howard swimmer Tiara Jackson (Los Angeles) and 2026 alumna Samyra Benoit represented Bison Nation at a historic Community Pool Day, held in conjunction with the USA Swimming Toyota National Championships in Irvine, Calif.
 
In partnership with Diversity In Aquatics and OneAmerica, the Bison duo joined Olympic champions Maritza McClendon and Cullen Jones to bring water safety education, aquatic skills and plenty of smiles to families at the William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center. They shared their love of the water while inspiring young people to see all that is possible through aquatics.
 
These experiences are about more than volunteer hours. They are about using the platform of aquatics to give back, address drowning disparities, inspire the next generation and show young people what is possible in and around the water.
 
"We are incredibly thankful for the student-athletes and coaches who continue to show up for our communities," said Askew. "And for Diversity In Aquatics for helping connect our team with meaningful opportunities to serve."
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.