Step Into Swim, an initiative of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance dedicated to creating more swimmers through safe swim education, is pleased to announce that the Florida Swimming Pool Association has renewed its partnership as a Platinum Level supporter with a generous $50,000 donation. Heritage Pool Supply Group, a Step Into Swim Diamond Level supporter, matched the donation dollar for dollar at a check presentation during FSPA’s Everything Under the Sun Expo in Orlando, FL, on March 7, 2026.
FSPA has been a leading force in the Florida pool industry for over 50 years. Through its Florida Swims Foundation, the organization helps children across the state gain access to vital swimming lessons and water safety education.
“The Florida Swimming Pool Association is proud to continue our partnership with Step Into Swim to help expand access to swim lessons and water safety education across the state,” says Lyndsey Shock, ceo of the Florida Swimming Pool Association. “In a state where water is such an important part of everyday life, ensuring that children learn how to swim is critical. Through our Florida Swims Foundation and the support of partners like Heritage Pool Supply Group and the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, we are helping give more families the opportunity to gain lifesaving skills and confidence in and around the water.”
Florida has one of the highest drowning rates in the United States. To combat this, FSPA and Step Into Swim have shared in their efforts to increase access to swim lessons and water safety education for many years. In 2025 alone, Step Into Swim supported 26 learn-to-swim programs in Florida, funding swim lessons for over 1,700 children.
“Step Into Swim and FSPA have had a longstanding partnership based on a joint commitment to end the drowning epidemic in the state of Florida,” says three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Rowdy Gaines, PHTA vice president of partnerships & development, who leads the Step Into Swim initiative. “As a native Floridian, I understand firsthand that being in and around water is a major part of day-to-day life here. By increasing access to swim lessons—especially in underserved communities that are at highest risk—we are making the next generation of Floridians safer, more educated, and more confident. Step Into Swim is incredibly grateful to FSPA for this impactful donation, and to Heritage Pool Supply Group for making it reach twice as far.”
Heritage Pool Supply Group and its Heritage Cares Foundation, which has been supporting Step Into Swim annually for the past five years and already committed $100,000 to the initiative in January 2026, matched FSPA’s $50,000 donation with an additional $50,000 to fund swim lessons across the state. The PHTA Board of Directors then matched this $100,000 donation for a total impact of $200,000 towards water safety education in Florida.
“I’m proud of Heritage Cares’ partnership with Step Into Swim, which truly reflects our commitment to giving back to the pool and spa industry,” says Scott Frost, president of Heritage Pool Supply. “Supporting this initiative goes beyond promoting safety—it’s about education and creating a meaningful impact in communities across Florida. By matching FSPA’s generous donation, we’re able to reach more children and families, expanding access to swim lessons and helping empower communities statewide.”
Step Into Swim and its supporters provide the lifesaving skill of learning to swim and raise awareness of the pool and hot tub industry’s role in improving public health and safety. In 2025, Step Into Swim raised over $1.5 million, which provided grants across 43 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Grand Cayman and Canada and funded swim lessons for nearly 20,000 children. The initiative has gifted more than 500,000 swim lessons since 2012. Step Into Swim is funded through partner contributions, which are integral for advancing the mission. Every dollar donated goes directly to learn-to-swim programming. To learn more, visit www.stepintoswim.com.
