News 12 Spotlights Marcus Hawthorne’s Push for Water Safety in Rockland County

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For many, learning to swim is a childhood milestone. But for Marcus Hawthorne, it was the start of an unexpected new purpose — one that’s now making waves across Rockland County.

During a recent News 12 interview conducted by Diane Caruso, Hawthorne, now the Aquatics Director at the Nyack YMCA, shared his remarkable journey from a hesitant adult learner to a passionate instructor teaching others how to find confidence in the water. Only a few years ago, Hawthorne didn’t know how to swim. After enrolling in lessons at the Nyack YMCA, he gradually overcame his fear of deep water. Six months later, not only could he swim — he was teaching others how to do the same.

Today, he leads a robust aquatics program that serves children, teens, and adults of all experience levels. The YMCA’s classes range from beginner lessons and lifeguard training to instructor certification courses. But for Hawthorne, the mission extends far beyond technical skills. His passion is driven by more than statistics — though they are sobering. According to the American Red Cross, nearly 85% of Americans say they can swim, but fewer than 60% can perform the five basic water-safety skills needed to survive in an emergency. Hawthorne wants to change that, one lesson at a time.

He believes that confidence is the key. "The more you are relaxed in the water with your body, the more you become afloat. And that's what I think life is about. The more you're relaxed, the more you don't worry about things, the more you put your best foot forward everyday, you'll stay afloat in life" He told News 12.

Under his direction, the Nyack YMCA has expanded its outreach, offering affordable lessons and community partnerships aimed at ensuring everyone — especially children and families from underserved areas — has access to water safety education.

For Hawthorne, every student who conquers their fear of the water is a victory.  As the segment concluded, Hawthorne encouraged anyone hesitant about swimming to take the plunge. “You’re never too old or too scared to start,” he said. “If I can learn to swim and fall in love with it, anyone can.”

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