Step Into Swim, an initiative of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) dedicated to creating more swimmers through safe swim education, announced its ongoing partnership with key program supporter Fluidra. Fluidra is an industry-leading global manufacturer of commercial and residential swimming pool equipment and connected pool solutions. Their generous donation, announced at the Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA) Pool & Spa Show this week, is part of an ongoing commitment from the company to provide low-cost or free swim lessons to children in underserved communities around the country.
“Fluidra has been the leading advocate for Step Into Swim since 2021,” says Olympic Gold Medalist Rowdy Gaines, PHTA vice president of Partnerships & Development, who leads the Step Into Swim initiative. “Their continued financial support has made it possible for us to expand our reach and gift the lifesaving skill of swimming to tens of thousands of children. I am so appreciative of their donation this week, which will help us reach our goals for 2024.”
With their $100,000 donation, Fluidra will be helping Step Into Swim provide learn-to-swim programming for countless children this year. Fluidra’s mission is to deliver the perfect pool and wellness experience, and giving children the opportunity to learn how to swim safely is a key component of that mission.
“Our commitment to fostering a safer and healthier swimming experience extends beyond business, it’s a commitment to our greater community,” says Lennie Rhoades, president of Fluidra North America. “We proudly support Step Into Swim, because every individual, regardless of their background, deserves the opportunity to learn and enjoy the life-saving skill of swimming.”
Fluidra and their fellow Step Into Swim supporters have a collective goal of providing the lifesaving skill of learning to swim and raising awareness for the aquatic industry’s role in improving public health and safety. In 2023, Step Into Swim raised over $1.4 million dollars, which provided grants to more than 100 facilities in 32 states and Canada and funded swim lessons for 23,500 children. The initiative has gifted more than 300,000 swim lessons since 2012 through YMCAs, Jewish Community Centers, Boys and Girls Clubs, and many more. The program 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.org.
