Hayward Holdings, Inc. presented a $50,000 donation to Step Into Swim, an initiative of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance dedicated to creating more swimmers through safe swim education.
Three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Rowdy Gaines, PHTA vice president of partnerships and development, who leads the Step Into Swim initiative, received the donation during a brief ceremony at Hayward’s booth at the 2026 Pool and Spa Show in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
“Access to swimming pools and water safety education is essential to protecting families and strengthening communities,” says Kevin Holleran, Hayward’s president and chief executive officer. “Hayward’s continued support of Step Into Swim helps more children access life‑saving learn‑to‑swim programs. Investing in water safety means investing in safer futures, and this donation reflects Hayward’s values and our commitment to making a meaningful impact beyond the products we design and manufacture.”
In 2025, Step Into Swim raised over $1.5 million, which funded learn-to-swim programs in 43 U.S. states, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Grand Cayman and Canada and provided swim lessons to nearly 20,000 children. The initiative has gifted more than 500,000 swim lessons since 2012. The program is funded through partner contributions, which are integral for advancing its life-saving mission. Every dollar donated goes directly to learn-to-swim programming.
“Step Into Swim is honored to have a partner like Hayward, a company that understands the important role swimming plays for individuals as well as communities at large,” says Gaines. “Hayward’s continued support has not only provided access to swim lessons to underserved children across the country—it has also helped Step Into Swim revitalize community pools that were at risk of closure. We are grateful to continue this partnership in 2026.”
Hayward’s donation is comprised of $25,000 in cash and $25,000 in equipment for a Step Into Swim pool. Hayward’s support of Step Into Swim has expanded and strengthened over the last several years, with this year’s donation making Hayward a Platinum-level supporter.
