ABOUT MHA


Our Story & Mission – Mid Hudson Aquatics


Our Story & Vision

Mid Hudson Aquatics was founded by Galen Franchek and John Berrio. For over 30 years, Galen has been coordinating swim lessons in the community, and for over 20 years, she has been coaching swimming. John’s journey into aquatics began after proposing to Galen, leading to a shared passion for teaching swimming and making a positive impact on lives.

Together, they established Mid Hudson Aquatics, a nonprofit swim organization dedicated to prioritizing inclusivity in swimming and promoting water safety throughout Dutchess County. Initially focused on Poughkeepsie District Swimmers, our programs now extend to welcome all individuals within Dutchess County. We are committed to treating every swimmer with equality, regardless of their ability or any challenges they may face. Our offerings include comprehensive Learn to Swim Programs for all age groups, and in 2017, we proudly established the Mid Hudson Heatwaves Swim Team.

Mid Hudson Heatwaves Swim Team

Mid Hudson Heatwaves is a year-round competitive swim team where participation in competitions is optional. Our team fosters a supportive environment emphasizing family values, enjoyment, and the importance of hard work. We are dedicated to developing essential life skills in every swimmer. As coaches and registered members of USA Swimming, we adhere to the highest standards of training and certification available in the United States.

We actively encourage new ideas that align with our mission and warmly invite parents and volunteers to collaborate with us in promoting our swim program and supporting our fundraising initiatives.