Pacific Swimming

MCAT recognized by USA Swimming

The following notice was sent out by the USA Swimming Foundation.  I want to say that the recognition is much appreciated and unexpected.  More deserving than I being singled out to receive this award are my incredible coworkers and staff.  Kristen Rianda has been the leader and work horse behind this accomplishment and really should have been by my side to receive credit and I thank her from the bottom of my heart.  We have all the great employees, coaches and swim instructors over the past four years to thank. They have been a blessing to the making a difference in so many children's lives.  And a special mention to the volunteers, especially Eddie Nugent who's idea to serve our community and (500 plus hours donated), Jam Macabugao 640+ hours donated and Toby Macabugao  200+ hours donated to giving lessons.  Last year we taught close to 5,000 kids how to swim in our community and the past 4 years the number is around 15,000.  Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death of children 14 and under with minorities being the most affected by drowning statistics.  I am so proud of our MCAT Team and the TEAM of parents, volunteers, patrons, swimmers, donors, employees, coaches, and managers.  WE ARE MAKING A POSITIVE IMPACT,one child at a time.  Swimming saves lives in so many ways.        I am so incredibly humbled and proud to be recognized for this National honor but I am not the  hero here.                                                                                                                                Sincerely,                                                                                                                                                                               Coach Dia

Make a Splash Spotlight: 2013 Hero Award winner Dia Rianda
The USA Swimming Foundation’s Make a Splash Hero Award recognizes individuals who are saving lives through their commitment to water safety and teaching children to learn to swim. 
At the 2013 USAS Convention, the USA Swimming Foundation honored Coach Dia Rianda with this award. Dia is changing and saving lives on a daily basis in her community.
For more than 10 years, Dia has been coaching in the Monterey County and Salinas Valley region of Northern California.  While this area is known for its lovely scenery and bountiful vegetable harvests, it is also unfortunately been making headlines for its pervasive gang violence. The teen murder rate among teens is among the highest in the nation, and Salinas has been identified as a drug distribution hub for the United States.
As a USA Swimming Foundation Make a Splash Local Partner, Dia is committed to
providing every single third grader in the Salinas Elementary School District
with the opportunity to learn to swim.  Nobody is turned away because they can’t pay.  And high school students are allowed to swim on the competitive team, free of charge. 
Free swim suits are provided to kids who can’t afford to buy them.
Congratulations to Dia Rianda! A true Make a Splash hero.