Today, over 700 programs and 25,000 people are in need of swim lessons. Step into Swim is an initiative of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance that launched in 2012 with a mission to create one million more swimmers in 10 years.
Unintentional drowning is the leading cause of death in children aged 1-4 years. From 2005-2014, there were an average of 3,536 fatal unintentional drownings (non-boating related) annually in the U.S. — about 10 deaths per day. An additional 332 people died each year from drowning in boating-related incidents. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Unintentional Drowning: Get the Facts. Accessed: December 28, 2015)
A fully tax-deductible donation can change and save lives by creating more swimmers. Learning to swim opens the doors to increased activity, opportunities to create meaningful connections and increased self esteem for the swimmer. Any donation is welcome and will make a difference.
PHTA is asking the assistance of everyone to help — whether it be from an individual that loves swimming, an aquatic professional or a company looking to do something positive in the industry.
Various organizations in the U.S. provide swim lessons to children that cannot afford to learn this life-saving skill of swimming because of their economic or cultural standing. Each year, PHTA accepts applications from new or recurrent organizations. Based on a set criteria, a PHTA committee selects organizations that will help contribute to creating one million new swimmers.
There are three different opportunities to donate. Learn more here.
- Online: Scroll down to select $20, $50, $100, $350 or designate the amount
- Call: (719) 540-9119 and pay with CC
- Mail: 4775 Granby Circle, Colorado Springs, CO 80919-3131. Make checks payable to Pool & Hot Tub Foundation. Write in the notes field "Step Into Swim."