Our Mission
A message from our Founder and CEO, Umayr Raza Shaikh
When I was a kid, my dad would force me to accompany him to our local pool. I still remember desperately clinging to him as he walked around the pool carrying me in the shallow end, begging him to not set me down even though we were in less than three feet of water. Each time I pleaded with him, he would tell me the same thing: “Son, you have to learn.”
Growing up in Hyderabad, Sindh (Pakistan), he never had the opportunity to learn himself due to an immense lack of resources. Nonetheless, he recognized that swimming was not merely a sport, but a life skill, so he taught himself as an adult so that he could someday teach his children. 20 years later, Inspire SPLASH was born from my father’s vision.
His vision was with me when I represented my school in the statewide swimming and diving championships, and again later when I set three university club records, and it is with me now as I strive to bring the life skills of swimming and water safety to all those who never had the opportunity to learn, via Inspire SPLASH. With a focus on the South Asian community but open to all, we strive to be both a means and a safe space for those at any point along their swimming journey, whether that’s preparing you for a national meet or simply holding onto you as we wade together in three feet of water.
We believe in the importance of creating a supportive, inclusive, and culturally competent learning atmosphere. Our programs cater to diverse learning needs, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background, can participate and benefit while also hearing your cultural and religious concerns so that we may provide the most appropriate, comprehensive education in the most competent and sensitive manner. Our team comprises certified and experienced swimming instructors and water safety educators that emphasize practical, hands-on experiences, where learners are actively engaged in the water regardless of skill level.
Our Approach
Inspire SPLASH was founded in response to the sharp rise in water-related deaths within the South Asian communities of Indiana. In attempting to grapple with the unfathomable loss that led to our organization’s creation, we strive to do everything in our power to serve our communities on all fronts. Understanding that knowledge is as crucial as physical skill, our curriculum includes extensive water safety education. This encompasses lessons on strong water safety habits, recognizing water hazards, understanding water dynamics, emergency response techniques, and more. Recognizing the importance of community involvement, we actively work to raise awareness about water safety through workshops, seminars, and collaboration with local schools, religious centers, and various community groups.
