About WaterWyse CNY
WaterWyse CNY is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization that was formed by five high school student-athletes all with swimming backgrounds, who care deeply about their Central New York community. WaterWyse CNY recognizes the lack of access to water safety instruction by many in our community as a result of one of the highest poverty rates in the country. WaterWyse CNY is committed to providing free, high-quality water safety instruction to children throughout Central New York.
​
WaterWyse CNY also provides completely free-of-charge classes to those who are interested in becoming Water Safety Instructors.
​
Our certified Water Safety Instructors (WSIs) and Lifeguards are qualified and trained to ensure the best possible experience for our families by creating a safe, positive, and fun environment for all.
Dive into the WaterWyse Team
A Team of Student-Athletes in Search of a Better CNY
Misha Kabunov
President and Head of Operations
Misha is a Senior at Christian Brothers Academy and swims for the JD/CBA varsity and the QJS3 club team. He has acquired many swimming-related accolades, including podium finishes at the state championships as well as the 2023 CNY Swimmer of the Year.
Misha is committed to New York University where he will continue his academic and athletic career. Misha has been swimming for over 10 years and has great expertise in basic water safety. Outside of swimming, Misha participates in the Model UN club, Jazz Band, National Honors Society, and enjoys keeping up with the financial world
Dempsey Horan
Secretary and Director of Water Safety Instruction
Dempsey Horan is a Senior at Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse. He is a current member of the varsity golf team at CBA and plays on the CNY PGA Jr. Tour. Currently, he is a lifeguard for the city of Syracuse during the Summer and throughout his experience, he has seen the need for swim lessons among kids, especially those in the city. Dempsey is glad and fortunate enough to be able to partake in a mission that strives to provide children with a skill as important as swimming.
Christopher O'Connor
Vice President and Director of Marketing and Social Media
Chris is a Senior at Christian Brothers Academy who plays lacrosse and golf. He has aspirations to play lacrosse in college and spends much of his time practicing, playing and learning. He competed in summer club swimming from 2011-present, where he learned how important the gift of swimming is. He is also the Head Lawyer of the CBA mock trial team and is a leader of MUN club as well as member of the National Honors Society
Luke Snyder
Vice President and Treasurer
Luke is a Senior at Christian Brothers Academy. He is an active member of the Mock Trial, National Honors Society, and Science Olympiad teams. He also plays varsity golf. Luke comes from a swimming family, where his father was an Arizona state finalist and his younger sister also swims at Christian Brothers Academy. Luke strongly believes that swimming is an important skill and a great pastime.
Noah Monsour
Vice President and Director Human Resources
Noah is currently a Senior at Christian Brothers Academy. He plays Baseball and Football, and was a member of the 2023 AA state championship football team. He also is involved in multiple clubs at CBA and runs a side business on eBay selling used designer ties. Noah grew up in Florida, on the beautiful beaches of the east coast, just north of West Palm Beach, where he developed his love of the water.
