Colin's Hope
Colin's Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2008 in Austin, Texas that delivers water safety education, drowning prevention resources, curriculum, products, and community programs to U.S. families, children, schools, healthcare providers, and aquatics professionals.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2008
- HeadquartersAustin, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Colin's Hope does
Colin's Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2008 by Jeff and Jana Holst following the drowning of their four-year-old son Colin at a lifeguarded public pool. Headquartered in Austin, Texas with operations spanning Central Texas, San Antonio, and a national footprint, the organization delivers water safety education and drowning prevention resources to families, children ages 0-14, schools and educators, aquatics professionals, and healthcare providers. Its mission is grounded in framing drowning as the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children under five and a preventable condition through layered protection: visual supervision, learn-to-swim, life jackets, barriers, home safety, CPR, and emergency preparedness.
The organization's core technology stack is a curated education and content platform rather than a software product. Proprietary offerings include the "Water Safety with Colin & Friends" curriculum for ages 3-6 delivered in English and Spanish; an interactive Water Safety Quiz that issues Water Guardian Certificates (21,420+ awarded); virtual family activities hosted on YouTube; and a growing catalog of printable and electronic educational kits. Physical products include the "Wait For A Grown-Up" board book, Home Water Safety Kit, Water-Fun Party Preparation Kit, and Water Safety Information Cards. Distribution combines a direct-to-consumer e-commerce storefront (colinshopestore.org), free self-serve digital resources, and channel partnerships with pool companies, HOAs, hotels, United Way for Greater Austin, Superior Health Plan, YMCA of Austin, NDPA, AOAP, and Au Pair In America. Life Jacket Loaner Stations extend physical infrastructure at Texas parks and swimming areas. Signature annual events - the Kids Triathlon, Best Day Ever Party, and Got2Swim & Paddle challenge - drive awareness and fundraising.
Colin's Hope operates a hybrid nonprofit revenue model: tax-deductible individual donations and corporate sponsorships (including multi-year commitments from Latham Pool Products) provide the funding base; product sales generate supplementary income (Home Water Safety Kit priced at $50, board books, cards, educational kits); event registration fees and athlete pledges through the Athlete Ambassador Program produce transaction-based revenue. Pricing across product lines is unit-based pay-as-you-go. Customer segments are diversified across consumer (parents/caregivers), institutional (schools, healthcare, aquatics programs), and channel partners (pool companies, HOAs, hotels, healthcare plans). Sustained partnerships with national drowning-prevention coalitions and persistent expansion of curriculum and product lines indicate ongoing programmatic growth, though the organization remains relatively small with a named leadership team of fewer than ten visible staff plus a volunteer board.
Colin's Hope firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Colin's Hope
- Legal name
- Colin's Hope
- Website
- https://colinshope.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2008
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Colin's Hope is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2008 in Austin, Texas that delivers water safety education, drowning prevention resources, curriculum, products, and community programs to U.S. families, children, schools, healthcare providers, and aquatics professionals.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Colin's Hope industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Water Safety Education & Drowning Prevention (Nonprofit)
- NAICS
- Educational Support Services (611710)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Lifeguard, Water Rescue & Aquatic Safety Training (EDAOAMAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Aquatics Programs (Pools, Swim Lessons, Lifeguarding) (EDALAIAF), Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness Education (CPR/First Aid/Disaster Readiness) (EDAAAFAJ)
Keywords
Where Colin's Hope is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Austin
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Colin's Hope business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Donations and Sponsorships: Tax-deductible donations from individuals and corporate sponsorships support the organization's mission and programs.
- Product Sales: Sale of educational materials including board books, water safety cards, home safety kits, and party preparation kits through the online store.
- Event Fundraising: Registration fees and fundraising through events like Kids Triathlon, Best Day Ever Party, and Got2Swim challenges.
- Athlete Ambassador Program: Student athletes raise pledges and awareness for drowning prevention through swim/dive team fundraisers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Home Water Safety Kit - $50 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Water Safety Cards Pack |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Board Book: Wait For A Grown Up |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Parent & Caregiver Water Safety Course |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels9 records
Colin's Hope product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Colin's Hope provides water safety education and drowning prevention resources for families, children, and communities. Its core offerings include the Water Safety with Colin & Friends Curriculum (ages 3-6, available in English and Spanish), an interactive Water Safety Quiz with Water Guardian Certificate program, and physical/digital educational products such as board books, home safety kits, party preparation kits, and water safety information cards. The organization also operates Life Jacket Loaner Stations at parks and swimming areas, delivers virtual family activities (videos, games, bedtime stories), and hosts signature fundraising events to support its drowning prevention mission.
Product overview
Colin’s Hope is a water safety and drowning prevention organization offering an integrated portfolio of educational products and programs. The core offering includes the Water Safety with Colin & Friends curriculum for children ages 3-6, the interactive Water Safety Quiz (which has awarded over 21,000 Water Guardian Certificates), and the Parent & Caregiver Water Safety Course. Physical products include the Wait For A Grown-Up Board Book, Home Water Safety Kit ($50), Water-Fun Party Preparation Kit, Water Safety Information Cards, and Life Jacket Loaner Stations. Digital offerings include Virtual Family Activities with videos, games (Bingo, Twister), and bedtime stories. The organization also hosts signature events including the annual Kids Triathlon, Best Day Ever Party, and Got2Swim virtual challenge. Products are available through the Colin’s Hope store (colinshopestore.org) with curriculum and resources available in English and Spanish.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Water Safety with Colin & Friends: Water safety curriculum designed for families, educators (pre-k, kindergarten, elementary school), and aquatics programs. Contains games and activities to create a culture of water safety. Available in English and Spanish.
- Water Guardian
Products and services
- Water Safety Quiz and Water Guardian Program Interactive online quiz that tests water safety knowledge and awards Water Guardian Certificates and badges to participants who pledge to be vigilant Water Watchers. Over 21,000 Water Guardian Certificates have been awarded to date. Designed for parents, caregivers, and teens.
- Water Safety with Colin & Friends Curriculum Water safety curriculum for children ages 3-6 designed for families, educators (pre-k, kindergarten, elementary school), and aquatics programs. Available in English and Spanish. Includes games, activities, and lessons where older kids can teach younger kids.
- Wait For A Grown-Up Board Book Board book designed for toddlers and young children teaching water safety principles through the Colin & Friends characters. Available for purchase through the online store.
- Parent & Caregiver Water Safety Course Online video course designed to educate parents, caregivers, and nannies about water safety practices and prevention measures for children.
- Home Water Safety Kit Electronic kit containing activities to teach life-saving water safety skills at home. Includes The Whole Hand Rules, Family Water Safety Plan template, and Water Guardian badges. Priced at $50. Targeted at families with backyard pools or frequent water access.
- Water-Fun Party Preparation Kit Electronic kit for hosts of water-related events including pool parties. Includes water safety plan template, Water Guardian badges, safety games, emergency action plan, and party favors.
- Water Safety Information Cards Physical water safety reminder cards (pack of 5) for distribution to families, friends, and neighbors. Distributed through partnerships with pool companies, HOAs, and hotels. Over 1,000,000 adults have learned from these cards.
- Life Jacket Loaner Stations Physical stations installed at lakes and parks where visitors can borrow USCG-approved life jackets for water activities, supported by corporate partners like Latham Pool Products and O'Neill's Pools.
- Virtual Family Activities Online collection of water safety videos including lessons, games, bedtime stories, cooking activities, and science experiments. Features content from Colin & Friends curriculum and partner organizations.
- Water Safety Games Interactive games including Water Safety Bingo and Water Safety Twister, featuring hand motions that reinforce water safety rules for children.
- Colin's Hope Kids Triathlon Annual fundraising event featuring young athletes participating in swimming, biking, and running to raise awareness and funds for drowning prevention. The 10th Annual event drew 400 participants.
- Best Day Ever Party Annual fundraising party event supporting Colin's Hope drowning prevention programs, featuring live auctions and raffles.
- Got2Swim & Paddle Virtual swimming and paddling event challenge encouraging participants to complete distance goals while raising funds for water safety education.
Quantifiable outcome
- Nearly 1 million families educated about water safety
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Colin's Hope
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Colin's Hope technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Colin's Hope partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
26 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA)coreColin's Hope staff virtually attended and presented at the 2020 National Water Safety Conference hosted by NDPA. Active participation in annual NDPA conference for drowning prevention education and networking.
- Association of Aquatic Professionals (AOAP)coreCollaboration with AOAP for drowning prevention training for new and veteran lifeguards and aquatic professionals. Partnership multiplies water safety efforts nationwide through professional training.
- YMCA of AustincoreVirtual Project SAFE collaboration with YMCA of Austin. Honored as 2016 Community Partner of the Year.
- Austin Sunshine CampsminorNew partnership to share water safety resources with Austin Sunshine Camps program participants.
- Latham Pool ProductsminorLatham Pool Products supports Colin Hope for third consecutive year through corporate sponsorships and life jacket collection for loaner stations.
- Au Pair In AmericaminorDistribution of Caregiver Water Safety Toolkit to au pairs across America serving as childcare providers.
- Bright by TextminorNew partnership to deliver water safety messages and resources through Bright by Text platform to parents and caregivers.
- Superior Health PlanminorPartnership to distribute water safety resources to Superior Health Plan members.
- Texas HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters)minorColin's Hope trained Texas HIPPY home visitors to deliver water safety education to families.
- United Way for Greater AustinminorUnited Way distributes Water Safety Cards throughout the Greater Austin community.
- CPR PartyminorPartner spotlight collaboration featuring CPR Party's emergency preparedness training for kids. Joint video content featuring Clay's mom and founder Laura Metro.
- Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation (Josh The Otter)minorJoint water safety bedtime story featuring Josh the Otter book and pledge program.
- The LV ProjectminorPartnership with Connor's mom Dana Gage to address the X-Effect - drownings of small children and teens at home and in open water.
- The Ken Brindley Memorial FoundationminorPartner spotlight featuring The Royals Go To The Beach book and water safety resources.
- Rory The WarriorminorPartner spotlight with Sherry Sheffield, Rory's mom and co-founder, for HERO BAG donations for first responders.
- Miss Tristan FoundationminorSpecial partner highlight featuring San Antonio foundation for drowning prevention.
- Texas Heatstroke Task ForceminorPartner spotlight on protecting kids from deaths in hot cars - complementary child safety mission.
- California Pool Spa AssociationminorGuest speaker Michelle Kavanaugh on water safety conversations about backyard water dangers.
- Texas Parks & WildlifeminorGuest speaker Kimberly Sorensen for Texas Parks & Wildlife Camp-In content and water safety.
- Not Out Of The Water CampaignminorPartner spotlight campaign for drowning prevention awareness.
- SwimOutlet.comminorPartner spotlight featuring swim and water safety gear resources.
- Great Lakes Surf Rescue ProjectminorFeatured in Got2Swim athlete highlight with Bob Pratt - shared mission to save lives.
- Families United To Prevent DrowningminorCollaboration with national coalition to prevent drowning through family stories and resources.
- Texas Aquatics and Pool ServicesminorNew partnership for water safety distribution through pool service providers.
- O'Neill's PoolsminorCommunity partner gathering life jackets for area loaner stations.
- RecognizeGoodminorPartner spotlight highlighting community recognition and good works.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Colin's Hope competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation (Josh The Otter): Water safety and drowning prevention nonprofit using a child character (Josh the Otter) to educate children and families. Directly comparable as a child-focused drowning prevention nonprofit with educational books and pledge programs; Colin's Hope lists them as a partner.
- The ZAC Foundation: Family-founded nonprofit dedicated to water safety and drowning prevention, advocating for swim instruction and pool safety legislation. Comparable mission, similar family-story-driven fundraising, and overlapping school curriculum distribution.
- Live Like Jake Foundation: Nonprofit focused on water safety education and drowning prevention founded after a child's drowning. Comparable founder-story model, swim lesson scholarships, and caregiver-targeted education programs.
- Infant Swimming Resource (ISR): Commercial provider of self-rescue swim instruction for infants and young children. Direct overlap on the child water safety mission, though delivered through fee-based lessons versus Colin's Hope's curriculum-based model.
- Stop Drowning Now: Drowning prevention nonprofit delivering educational programs, swim scholarships, and water safety advocacy. Comparable smaller-scale nonprofit focused on preventing drowning through community-based education.
Broad incumbents
- National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA): Industry association convening drowning prevention organizations, hosting the annual National Water Safety Conference and publishing best practices. Comparable as a drowning prevention umbrella body; Colin's Hope staff regularly present at NDPA events.
- American Red Cross (Aquatic Safety Programs): Largest U.S. provider of learn-to-swim, lifeguard training, and water safety education through a national chapter network. Broad incumbent offering overlapping curriculum and lifeguard certification that Colin's Hope augments with family-focused content.
- YMCA of the USA (Aquatics): National nonprofit operating the largest network of community pools and learn-to-swim programs in the U.S. Overlapping audience of parents and children for swim and water safety education; Colin's Hope was honored as YMCA of Austin's 2016 Community Partner of the Year.
Others
- SwimOutlet.com (Swim and Water Safety Retailer): E-commerce retailer of swim gear and water safety equipment including life jackets. Listed as a partner of Colin's Hope; adjacent in enabling families to acquire water safety products rather than competing directly on education.
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: State agency operating Texas lakes, rivers, and parks where Colin's Hope places Life Jacket Loaner Stations. Relevant to distribution and outreach; not a competitive educational provider but an enabling public-sector partner.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Colin's Hope social profiles
Digital presenceColin's Hope compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Colin's Hope financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Colin's Hope leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Colin's Hope funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Colin's Hope M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Colin's Hope
What does Colin's Hope do?
Colin's Hope provides water safety education and drowning prevention resources for families, children, and communities. Its core offerings include the Water Safety with Colin & Friends Curriculum (ages 3-6, available in English and Spanish), an interactive Water Safety Quiz with Water Guardian Certificate program, and physical/digital educational products such as board books, home safety kits, party preparation kits, and water safety information cards. The organization also operates Life Jacket Loaner Stations at parks and swimming areas, delivers virtual family activities (videos, games, bedtime stories), and hosts signature fundraising events to support its drowning prevention mission.
Is Colin's Hope a public or private company?
Colin's Hope is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Colin's Hope founded?
Colin's Hope was founded in 2008. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Colin's Hope based?
Colin's Hope is headquartered in Austin, United States, in the North America region.
How does Colin's Hope make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Donations and Sponsorships are the primary driver. The others are product Sales, event Fundraising and athlete Ambassador Program.
Who are Colin's Hope's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation (Josh The Otter), The ZAC Foundation, Live Like Jake Foundation, Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) and Stop Drowning Now. Broad incumbents are National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA), American Red Cross (Aquatic Safety Programs) and YMCA of the USA (Aquatics). Others are SwimOutlet.com (Swim and Water Safety Retailer) and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Does Colin's Hope have an API?
No public API is recorded for Colin's Hope.
What industry is Colin's Hope in?
Colin's Hope's product category is Water Safety Education & Drowning Prevention (Nonprofit). Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAOAMAJ, Lifeguard, Water Rescue & Aquatic Safety Training, with a secondary code of EDALAIAF, Aquatics Programs (Pools, Swim Lessons, Lifeguarding). Its NAICS code is 611710.