Berkshire South to Host 16th Annual Splash-A-Thon Fundraiser on April 11
GREAT BARRINGTON — Berkshire South Regional Community Center (BSRCC) will host its 16th annual Splash-A-Thon fundraiser on Saturday, April 11, beginning at 8 a.m. in its Norris Aquatics Center. The community-wide event supports Berkshire South’s Adaptive Aquatics programs, which provide inclusive swim instruction and water-based therapy for individuals of all ages and abilities.
Event participants may sign up to swim laps or choose from two special-edition adaptive swim classes offered throughout the morning: Aqua Thrills (for adults ages 18 and up) at 10 a.m., or Swim Jam (for children ages 0-17 with adaptive needs) at 11 a.m. With the addition of these adaptive classes, the Splash-A-Thon fundraiser is designed to be a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive event. This year’s Splash-A-Thon fundraising goal is $20,000, which will directly support Adaptive Aquatics programming.
Adaptive Swim Instructor Catherine Blake has been named the 2026 Splash-A-Thon ambassador. Through weekly lessons at Berkshire South, Blake works with children and adults to build swimming skills, water safety awareness, and confidence in the pool.
“For so many in the adaptive community, safety around water is a huge issue,” she said. “Learning about safety in and around the pool is incredibly important. Being able to teach someone how to swim is a necessity — even if it takes years.”
Currently, dozens of local residents regularly participate in Berkshire South’s Adaptive Aquatics programs. Classes are led by specially trained instructors who tailor instruction to meet each participant’s individual needs. Adaptive aquatics programming offers essential benefits, including improved range of motion, increased strength, physical relief, and meaningful community connection.
“Having access to year-round weekly swimming lessons and aquatic therapy is incredibly important to swimmers and their families,” Blake explained. “Families support one another, build each other up, and look forward to seeing each other every week.”
While Berkshire South’s Splash-A-Thon fundraising goal is $20,000, the Adaptive Aquatics program costs more than $50,000 annually to operate. While additional grant support helps offset costs, the fundraiser remains essential to sustaining and expanding the program.
“It means we’re able to offer fully funded weekly lessons four days per week,” said Blake, who currently teaches five adults and 12 children in the program. “When I started, we had only four participants. Now, we have a waiting list.”
All funds raised through Splash-A-Thon directly support BSRCC’s aquatics and adaptive programming, including swim lessons and assistive equipment designed for a wide range of bodies and abilities, she added. “I can’t imagine not having the funds to continue expanding to meet our community’s needs.”
Community members are invited to support Splash-A-Thon by swimming laps, attending the Aqua Thrills or Swim Jam class, sponsoring swimmers, volunteering, or making a direct donation. For every donation, a paper droplet displaying the donor’s name will be featured in the Berkshire South lobby. Those unable to attend on April 11 may schedule an alternate swim day.
Berkshire South is committed to meeting the needs of all members through inclusive programming, specialized instruction, and ongoing staff education. Adaptive aquatics remains a priority as the organization continues working to keep programs accessible, supportive, and adaptable for everyone.
For more information, to register, or to donate, visit www.berkshiresouth.org/splashathon.