We are humbled to share a new scholarship opportunity created in honor of Lincoln Oakes, a sweet boy who loved hiking, playing with his big sister, and enjoying the ocean. Lincoln was just 1 year and 10 months old when he tragically drowned on January 24, 2017 a loss that was both heartbreaking and preventable.
Lincoln slipped out of his home while following the family dog and wandered into a neighbor’s unfenced pool. His family had planned to begin swim lessons soon, but like many homes without a pool, water safety didn’t feel urgent. This scholarship was created with the hope that no parent or ʻohana will ever experience such a devastating loss again.
About the Scholarship
The “Live Like Lincoln” provides full tuition for 30 swim lessons (one full quarter of Ola Loa Swim Academy programming) to a family in need of water-safety support.
Its mission is simple and heartfelt: To raise awareness, empower families, and help keiki build strong, safe connections to the water.
Who Can Apply
Applicants must meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Your household has direct access to a pool, pond, canal, or the ocean.
- Your ʻohana has experienced or witnessed a near-drowning or drowning incident.
- Your family demonstrates a strong commitment to water safety education and agrees to complete all program requirements.
How to Apply
To be considered, families must submit:
- A brief written statement or video sharing your story and how it connects to the Live Like Lincoln mission.
- Contact information for follow-up.
- Confirmation of eligibility, based on the criteria above.
This scholarship is designed to support families who may not otherwise have access to essential, life-saving swim lessons and to honor Lincoln by helping protect other keiki in our community.
