Cape Coral nonprofit organizes boating event for children in hospitals

CAPE CORAL, Fla., - Dozens of children and their families are stepping away from hospital rooms and daily struggles to find peace on the open water. The Freedom Waters Foundation, a local nonprofit, is offering healing, hope, and joy, one boat ride at a time.

The boating event is scheduled to set sail from Slip Away Marina, with 15 private boats volunteering their time and vessels on Monday.

More than 80 children and family members are expected to participate, each paired with a volunteer captain providing not only their boat but also their heart.

The outings focus on connection, nature, and healing. From spotting wildlife to, at times, even letting the kids take the wheel, the experience aims to share the love of boating and sailing.

Debra Frenkel, founder of the Freedom Waters Foundation, emphasized the importance of heartfelt volunteering.

"I often talk about, if you're a good volunteer for us, you're in touch with what's in here, and know how to translate that to here and appropriately translate that to everybody else. So it's truly about sharing love, just using the water to do so that," said Frenkel.

Freedom Waters Foundation hosts boat outings throughout the year across Florida and beyond, offering custom trips for children, families, and veterans during times of need.