In a significant development that marks a new chapter in the story of One With the Ocean (OWO), the organisation announced the appointment of Danielle Dattilio as its new President. Dattilio, taking the leadership reins from OWO’s founder, Bryan Mineo, steps into a role that has evolved from a humble inception to a position of considerable influence in both the world of ocean swimming and marine conservation.

Founded in 2014, OWO started as a free weekend meetup group under the name Swim Mechanic Ocean Group (SMOG) in Redondo Beach, Los Angeles. What began as a trio of enthusiasts, including Mineo, an Olympic swimmer, and an ocean swimming novice, has matured into a nationwide community. The organization, under Mineo’s stewardship, has expanded its wings across the US, fostering a love for ocean swimming, enhancing water safety awareness, and spearheading environment conservation efforts.

The baton now passes to Dattilio, a Kentucky native and former DePauw University swim team captain, whose affinity with the water has propelled her through several notable feats. Among these are her solo completion of the La Jolla Cove 10-mile relay and her ultramarathon swim across Lake Tahoe. Her passion for open water, coupled with a zeal to share this love with others, underscores her appointment as a strategic move to propel OWO into its next growth phase.

OWO’s mission encompasses not only the introduction of individuals to the joy and challenge of ocean swimming but also a staunch commitment to marine stewardship. This is vividly reflected in its community outreach program, Play in the Waves (PITW), which targets young people from underserved communities across LA and San Diego counties. The initiative aims to demystify the ocean, teaching water safety and fostering a connection with the marine environment.

The significance of OWO’s efforts has been recently acknowledged through a $532,000 grant awarded to its LA chapter by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program (OEP). This grant stands as a testament to the pivotal role OWO plays in making outdoor activities, specifically swimming and surfing, accessible to underprivileged youth, thereby promoting health, wellness, and environmental stewardship.

Under Dattilio’s leadership, OWO is poised to extend its impact, leveraging the new funding to enhance and expand its services. The organization’s journey from a modest group gathering to a beacon of community, conservation, and inclusivity in ocean swimming offers a compelling narrative about passion fueling purpose.

As OWO embarks on this new chapter with Dattilio at the helm, it continues to echo the profound connection between humans and the ocean. Through its initiatives and with the support of the community and stakeholders, One With the Ocean stands as a vibrant testament to how collective efforts in ocean advocacy can foster a more inclusive and sustainable relationship with our planet’s greatest resource.