SwimGirl

06/22/2026

One year ago, I arrived in Panama thinking I was simply beginning a new chapter.

I had left my corporate career as an HR Executive and stepped into a season of reinvention, not fully knowing where it would lead.

Then I was invited to swim in the ocean.

I thought we were swimming a mile.

We swam 2.36 miles in water I was still learning to trust.

That swim became more than a challenge. It became a symbol.

It reminded me that reinvention asks us to enter unfamiliar waters, trust ourselves again, and keep moving forward even when we cannot see the whole path.

Today, that personal journey has become something much bigger.

I founded Swim Para Todos Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created to make swimming and water safety accessible to children, adults, and families in Nueva Gorgona, Panama.

In a town surrounded by water, many people have never had access to swim lessons, water safety education, proper swim gear, or the confidence to feel safe in the water.

Swim Para Todos exists to change that.

We provide swim instruction, water safety education, and the basic gear each student needs to participate with dignity, including swimsuits, towels, goggles, and swim caps.

This work is about safety.

It is about dignity.

It is about confidence.

It is about community.

And it is about the ripple that begins when one person learns a life-saving skill and carries that confidence forward.

My life’s work has always been about helping people move through transition with clarity, courage, and purpose.

Now that work lives in two places:

Helping women find their way in a new season of life.

And helping communities create safer waters for all.

Find your why.
Find your way.
Live your legacy.

If this mission speaks to your heart, I would love your support, encouragement, shares, introductions, or partnership ideas. 💙

Swim Para Todos means Swim for All.

And I believe learning to swim should be a right, not a privilege. SwimGirl is on a mission.

07/28/2025

🌎 We’re Evolving — From “Swim Por Todos” to “Swim Para Todos”

Dear friends, families, and community champions,

When I first launched this mission, I called it Swim Por Todos, inspired by the idea that everyone should have the opportunity to learn, grow, and be safe in the water. 🌊

But now that I’m living and listening on the ground here in Gorgona, Panama, I’ve learned something important — and beautiful.

In Spanish, “Por Todos” means “by all,” while “Para Todos” means “for all.”
💙 And that’s exactly what this mission is:

A movement FOR access. FOR inclusion. FOR safety. FOR every child, every adult, every family.

So today, I’m proud to announce that we’re now officially:

🫶 Swim Para Todos — Swim For All.

It’s a small change in words, but a giant leap in clarity and connection. Thank you for growing with me. The mission hasn’t changed—if anything, it’s clearer than ever:

🌊 Safe swimming is a right, not a privilege.
🌎 One ocean. One earth. One community.

With gratitude,
Bonnie Monroe, Certified Lifeguard
Founder & Lead Instructor

07/15/2025

06/17/2025

Hey ! Here near Panama City, found a SPEEDO store ! Yay ! I didn't even know they had them ! So fun!

06/16/2025

Rip tides are absolutely survivable; however, you must know what to do! If you find yourself unable to make any progress trying to get to the shore, you must SWIM DIAGONAL to get OUT OF THE RIP TIDE and then try again. Typically, as you can see from this post, it is not usually a large width -- this is your way out of it. 🐬 Most importantly, DO NOT PANIC. Stay calm and swim parallel to the shore (not towards the shore) then try again to move towards the shore. There is a way out always! 💦🌊

For those hitting the ocean and waves this summer.
This is really simple. You can spot a rip current. Unfortunately, it's where it looks easiest and safest to enter the sea. This is because the rip current is looping around and pulling back OUT. Hence no waves rolling IN. NEVER ENTER THE SEA HERE. If you are already in the sea and get caught in a rip current (you'll know because you will suddenly be moved from your location and it will be impossible to swim against it) don't panic. Swim ACROSS, not against the rip current. For example, rather than trying to swim to shore while being pushed out, swim parallel to the beach and you will be able to get out. Then you can swim ashore. Please educate friends or family visiting the beaches this summer. Stay safe 🙏

06/12/2025

Hey ! I've been pretty quiet here. I'm currently in Panama with a big announcement coming soon! In the meantime, I wanted to share that for the first time ever, I swam in the ocean over 2 miles, starting at 6:30 am. It's definitely different than a pool (visibility, currents, fish). At 57 I didn't think this would be something I would do. I have to say it was invigorating and made me rewrite my identity!