Octavia's Promise

01/17/2026

Whoo hoo!

01/02/2026

We are so thankful!

Thank you Ms. Zada Jones and KOTA Territory News for featuring our Holiday Swimsuit Bash at the Deadwood Recreation Center for this week's edition of KOTA Cares.

When we first started Octavia's Promise, it felt like it was only going to be a promise to ourselves that we would share our story in hopes that we could help prevent another near tragedy or worse. The last year and a half have been incredibly rewarding as we can begin to see actual positive change in our community.

In 2025: We gave away over 200 pink swimsuits to kids at our Swimsuit Bashes at the DRAC and at Iron Creek Lake, taught well over a dozen CPR Classes, presented at Spearfish Souper Starz, and shared our story to countless people willing to listen.

We're not sure what 2026 will bring us, but we know for certain that it's going to a great year and we can't wait!

12/30/2025

Holy smokes! We're still super stoked about yesterday!

What a fantastic event with a superb amount of support!

We had over 80 kids come swimming with us and we were able to hand out 60 pink swimsuits!

Thank you everyone that attended!

We also truly want to extend a very heartfelt thanks to Jeramy and Deadwood Recreation Center staff for helping us host such an incredible event!

We can't wait to do it again!

12/29/2025

We are here at the Deadwood Recreation Center for our first Annual Holiday Break Swimsuit Bash!

Come grab a free Swimsuits while supplies last, swim for free (with Swim Instructors), and check out all of the great things that the Deadwood Recreation & Aquatics Center has to offer!

12/29/2025

Today is the day!

We can't wait to see everyone!

Good morning! Hope everyone had a fantastic holiday weekend!

Reminder! Octavia's Promise will be here today from 12:00–2:00 PM for our Holiday Swimsuit Bash!

Octavia's Promise will be offering free swimsuits and the DRAC will provide the swimming for children in Kindergarten–5th grade.
ALL kids are welcome!

Please note: Children under age 11 must be accompanied by an adult (or someone age 11+). If you plan to drop your child off, please come inside to sign them in, as a waiver must be completed.

We can’t wait to see you there! 🏊‍♀️🎉

12/27/2025

We have about 100 swimsuits ready to go and we are excited to try and give them all away!

See you all on Monday at the Deadwood Rec Center from Noon-2pm!

DEADWOOD — Children attending Lead-Deadwood Elementary will have the opportunity to swim off some holiday energy at the Deadwood Recreation Center on Monday from 12-2 p.m. at Octavia’s Promise’s Holiday

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas from the Ballert Clan!

We are so thankful for your support! We wish you a happy and healthy holidays!

12/18/2025

Have you heard our story?

Our youngest daughter, Octavia, nearly drowned—but thanks to quick CPR, she's made a full recovery. That miracle turned into our mission: Octavia's Promise.

If you've followed us, supported us, or heard about our work—thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Our Mission is to provide honest, high-quality Swimming, First-Aid, and CPR education to everyone by raising awareness, training, and promoting life-saving skills in our community.

One big way we're living this mission? Teaming up with amazing partners!

We're excited to join forces with the Deadwood Recreation Center for our Holiday Swimsuit Bash!

Monday, January 29th
Noon to 2:00 PM
FREE swimming for everyone!
FREE bright-colored swimsuits for kids K-5 (while supplies last—these help kids stay visible in the water for faster safety response!)
Plus, Deadwood Rec swim instructors will be in the pool offering tips to help everyone improve their skills.

To spread the word even further, we're thrilled to partner with FLYT Steakhouse!

They're generously giving away TWO FREE DINNERS to a *someone* who likes, comments, and shares this post!

We invite you to help us make a difference in our community—one swim lesson, one bright swimsuit, one saved life at a time.

Octavia's Promise: From Miracle to Mission—Saving Lives, One Lesson at a Time.

12/15/2025

🩷🩷🩷 JUST 2 WEEKS AWAY! 🩷🩷🩷

Our Holiday Swimsuit Bash with the amazing Deadwood Recreation Center is coming up fast on Monday, December 29th from Noon-2:00pm!

Bring the entire family for:
🩷 FREE swimming
🩷 FREE bright pink swimsuits for the kiddos (while supplies last – they help little ones stay super visible and safe in the water!)
🩷 Swim instructors IN THE POOL to play and help everyone have fun

It's the perfect way to splash through the holiday break! No registration needed – just show up ready for fun.

To help us spread the word - please tag a someone who needs to know, share this post, and talk with your friends!

We'll see you there!

12/11/2025

We're so excited!

🎅❄️ Holiday Swimsuit Bash at Deadwood Recreation & Aquatic Center! ❄️🎅

Beat the winter blues with a warm indoor pool party!

📅 Monday, December 29, 2025
🕛 12:00 – 2:00 PM
🏊‍♂️ FREE admission & FREE swimsuits, donated by Octavia's Promise, for all kids K–5th grade!
👙 All ages welcome!

Our friendly swim instructors will be in the water the whole time, ready to help beginners, give tips, or just play along with everyone. No experience needed — just come ready to splash and smile!
Brought to you by Octavia’s Promise 💗 and the Deadwood Recreation & Aquatic Center

Tag your swim buddies and we’ll see you there! 🏊‍♀️🎄

Octavia's Promise

12/11/2025

🩷🩷🩷EXCITING NEWS🩷🩷🩷

We are super excited to announce that we are teaming up with the Deadwood Recreation Center again to bring you our Holiday Swimsuit Bash!

Much like our Summer Break Swimsuit Bash - we're going to be sharing our message, getting kids in the water, and giving away pink swimsuits!

When: Monday, December 29th, Noon-2:00pm
Where: Deadwood Recreation & Aquatic Center
What: Free Swimming & Free Swimsuits!

We are also super excited to add that the DRC has agreed to have Swim Instructors IN THE WATER with all the kids.

So mark your calendars now and we hope to see you there!!!