In early August, SOS Sink or Swim completed its 12th season of providing free swimming lessons at the George Murphy Pool in Easton and the Bay Hundred Pool in St. Michaels in partnership with Talbot County Parks and Recreation. Sadly, one of the organization’s visionary co-founders, Libby Moose, passed away shortly after the season concluded.
Libby lived a long and fruitful life marked by hospitality, humor, generosity, and service. She gave generously of her time, talent, and treasure to the Claiborne Association and the Chesapeake Maritime Museum, and founded SOS Sink or Swim in 2014.
SOS was born of Libby and her fellow co-founders’ desire for everyone on the Eastern Shore to know how to swim and be safe in the water. She leaves behind a life-saving legacy, with 11,865 learn-to-swim sessions provided since the organization’s inception.
This summer, local swimmers participated in 1,253 SOS Sink or Swim sessions, including:
- 1,129 two-week sessions for children
- 84 one-week sessions for adults
- 40 one-week junior lifeguard training sessions
More than 300 of this year’s children’s sessions were provided in partnership with Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers, BAAM (Building African American Minds), and the Mid-Shore Early Learning Center, who work with SOS and Parks and Recreation to schedule private lessons for their summer campers.
“This is a bittersweet moment for our organization,” shares SOS Sink or Swim Council President Kelly Simonsen. “We are mourning Libby, who was not only important to our organization, but who we all loved deeply. Yet we also celebrate the incredible legacy she has left behind. Her vision and tenacity have saved thousands of lives on the Mid-Shore. We are committed to sustaining her vision and making this crucial service available to our community long into the future.”
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, from 5-7 pm at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Welcome Center (213 N. Talbot St., St Michaels, MD 21663).
In lieu of flowers, Libby asked that those wishing to honor her memory make a memorial gift to SOS Sink or Swim. Just $50 provides a full learn-to-swim session for a neighbor on the Mid-Shore (two weeks for a child, one week for an adult). Donate online at sossinkorswim.org or mail a check to P.O. Box 381, St. Michaels, MD 21663. Visit sossinkorswim.org/support for additional giving methods.
