
Founders
Abby Harbour
Co-Founder
Abby has always had a love for being in and around the water. She began swimming at 5, teaching swim lessons at 14, lifeguarding at 16, coaching at 18, and has represented the United States as Head Coach in international competition.
At 19, she temporarily paused her coaching career for missionary service in Mozambique, where she stayed for 1 1/2 years. Her time in Mozambique led her to pursue a Portuguese BA with an Africana Studies minor from Brigham Young University.
Abby's passion for drowning prevention grew after living in Mozambique. One afternoon in 2018, she sat at Praia Nova helping repair a fishing net when she discovered that the fisherman, who went out a rocky boat everyday, could not swim. In fact, many of the fisherman that lived at Praia Nova could not swim. That day, her dream began. It wasn't until 2022, when she met Jack, that it started to become a reality. With his help, that dream developed into The Safe Harbour Drowning Prevention Foundation.
Jack Burgess
Co-Founder
Jack has spent his entire life being a part of something bigger than himself and pushing himself to be the best he can be. His love for the people around him led him to 2 year missionary service in Samoa.
After returning from Samoa, Jack received a BBA in Digital Marketing and eCommerce from Western Michigan University. Not only is he a first generation college student and the only member of his family with a college degree, but he also graduated Magna Cum Laude.
When Jack is not spending time with his family and loved ones, he loves learning new things, helping others, and prioritizing his health. He loves to push himself both physically and mentally.
Jack brings a wealth of knowledge and perspective to the Safe Harbour team and was the pivotal piece in making Abby’s dream a reality.
2018
Abby is in Mozambique and meets dozens of people who had lost family members to drowning. Sitting with a fisherman in Praia Nova, she discovers that he had spent every day on a rocky boat, but cannot swim! This was the day her dream of beginning a drowning prevention foundation again.
2022
Abby and Jack meet on a Mediterranean cruise with mutual friends. 2-3 months after the cruise, Abby tells Jack about her idea. Over the next year, he would give her ideas and input. His part became integral in the foundation becoming what it is today.
2024
The Safe Harbour International Drowning Prevention Foundation was formed and received 501(c)(3) status.