The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2026 Dr. R. Neil Lowry Grant: City of Ocala Recreation & Parks in Ocala, Fla.
Created in memory of Dr. Robert Neil Lowry, a longtime member of PHTA and the Recreational Water & Air Quality Committee, this $5,000 grant honors a public health department or official that has made outstanding contributions to advancing public health and the safe use of recreational water in pools, spas, and waterparks through educational, safety, operational, and technical programs.
The City of Ocala Recreation & Parks was selected for its comprehensive water safety and swim education initiative designed to expand access to lifesaving swim instruction while addressing one of Florida's most significant public health challenges — childhood drowning. Through its Aquatic Fun Centers, the department provides free community swim lessons, specialized water safety instruction for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities through its Aquability program, and parent-child "Mommy and Me" swim lessons that build foundational water safety skills for young children.
To increase awareness and participation, the City launched a community outreach campaign featuring a SunTran bus wrapped with water safety messaging that promotes free swim lessons and encourages residents to take advantage of available programs. Together, these initiatives help ensure that children and families — regardless of age, ability, or income — have access to lifesaving water safety education.
With the $5,000 grant, the City of Ocala Recreation & Parks will expand its free swim lesson offerings, increase specialized Aquability programming, enhance parent-child swim instruction, and purchase additional instructional materials and safety equipment. The expanded program is expected to serve hundreds of additional children and families while strengthening water competency, increasing community awareness, and reducing drowning risks throughout the Ocala community.
"The Research and Grants Committee was impressed by the City of Ocala Recreation & Parks' innovative approach to expanding access to water safety education and swim lessons," says Justin Wiley, executive vice president, Advocacy and External Affairs. "Their commitment to serving children, families, and individuals with developmental disabilities demonstrates the type of community impact the Dr. R. Neil Lowry Grant was established to support. PHTA is proud to help further these important efforts."
Previous recipients of the Dr. R. Neil Lowry Grant include Southern Nevada Health District, 2025; Central Valley Health District, 2024; Craven County Environmental Health, 2023; Fishers Health Department, 2022; and the City of North Richland Hills, 2021.
For more information about the Dr. R. Neil Lowry Grant, visit phta.org/lowry-grant.
