By all appearances, Amber Uhler radiates confidence, positivity, and purpose. As Mrs. Universe, a TEDx speaker, author, wife, mother of three, and passionate advocate for drowning prevention, she has become an inspiring force both within MiraBay and far beyond it. But behind the crown and accomplishments is a deeply personal story rooted in survival, resilience, and service.

Amber and her family moved to MiraBay in September 2020 during the height of the pandemic. Like many residents, she quickly fell in love with the community’s waterfront beauty and family-centered atmosphere. Yet living in a water-rich environment also reinforced something she has understood her entire life: water safety saves lives.

Amber’s passion for drowning prevention isn’t simply advocacy - it’s personal.

When she was just five years old, Amber survived a near-drowning accident during a family fishing trip after wandering too close to the water. Thankfully, her brother noticed what happened and rescued her in time.

“Many drowning stories don’t end that way,” Amber reflects. “Mine did, and I’ve never forgotten that.”

Years later, in 2022, Amber found herself reliving that terrifying reality from the other side. While attending a pool party filled with adults and children, she happened to glance into the pool and noticed a young child submerged underwater.

Without hesitation, she jumped in and pulled the child to safety.

“He was unresponsive,” she recalls. “Moments later, he vomited up white foam and thankfully began responding.”

The experience profoundly changed her. It reinforced just how quickly and silently drowning can happed… even in crowded environments with attentive adults nearby.

Shortly afterward, Amber became CPR certified and committed herself fully to water safety advocacy.

As Mrs. Universe, Amber believes her title represents far more than appearances or pageantry.

“The crown is about service, impact, and using your voice to create positive change,” she says.

Today, she works closely with organizations including the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, Every Child A Swimmer, Live Like Jake, and Smile Like Aubrey to raise awareness and improve access to swim education for children and families.

Her efforts include speaking engagements, community outreach, fundraising events, public awareness campaigns, and advocating for programs that provide subsidized or scholarship-based swim lessons for children.

Amber is especially passionate about educating families on what experts call “layers of protection” around water, including active supervision, pool barriers, life jackets, swim readiness, and CPR training.

“In Florida especially, where water is such a major part of life, access to swim lessons can truly be lifesaving,” she says.

One of Amber’s proudest accomplishments has been helping advocate for Florida Senate Bill 544, legislation that provides free swim lessons for qualifying children from low-income families.

Beginning July 1, 2026, the program’s eligibility age will expand from children age five and under to children up to seven years old—opening the door for even more families to access lifesaving swim instruction.

“For me, creating long-term change that removes financial barriers for families is what truly creates impact,” Amber says.

She says the most rewarding part of her work comes from hearing directly from parents whose children are now enrolled in swim lessons or families who feel more confident around water because of the awareness she shares.

“When you realize that education and advocacy can genuinely help save lives, it gives the work a much deeper purpose.”

Amber’s advocacy journey is also closely tied to another deeply personal transformation.

In 2021, she weighed nearly 300 pounds and struggled physically and emotionally with self-doubt and limitations she had carried for years. Over the course of four years, she embarked on a remarkable 170-pound weight loss journey.

“It wasn’t just physical,” she explains. “It was emotional and mental too.”

The process taught her resilience, discipline, and compassion—qualities that now shape the way she connects with others.

Rather than hiding her struggles, Amber openly shares them.

“I’ve learned that authenticity is what truly connects people,” she says. “Transformation and purpose are possible even if your starting point feels impossible.”

Amber shows no signs of slowing down.

This summer, she plans to intensify her drowning prevention efforts during Florida’s peak swim season while continuing community outreach and advocacy work throughout the state.

She recently had the release of her newest TEDx Talk, Turning Cringe into Courage, which focuses on overcoming fear, embracing vulnerability, and pursuing purpose despite discomfort.

And if that wasn’t enough, Amber has also written a book currently in the editing process.

“It’s a project very close to my heart,” she says with a smile.

Amber encourages every family to take small but meaningful steps toward water safety. Whether it’s enrolling children in swim lessons, becoming CPR certified, supporting local organizations, or simply starting conversations about water safety, she believes community action can save lives.

“Even one small action can make a lifesaving difference,” she says.

For MiraBay residents, Amber’s story serves as a powerful reminder that purpose often grows from life’s most difficult moments—and that one person’s voice truly can change lives.

To follow Amber’s advocacy work and upcoming projects, residents can find her on Facebook under Amber Uhler and on Instagram and TikTok at @MrsUniverseAmber.