Source: Florida Swimming Pool Association
The local chapters of the Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA) have access to additional funds to support swim lessons in their local communities. The Swimming Pool Education and Safety Foundation (SPESF) of the FSPA currently matches funds $1 for $1 for local chapters. A $4,000 grant from the Step Into Swim Campaign of the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) has been received providing an even higher matching contribution. For every $1,000 donated by a chapter toward swim lessons, SPESF/FSPA will provide a $1,000 match and the Step Into Swim Campaign will donate $250. Therefore, if a chapter donates $1,000 to a local learn-to-swim program, the program will receive a total of $2,250.
In 2014, 27 safety events or swim programs were supported by FSPA chapters. The additional grant will allow the reach of the chapters to be extended even further. Swimming pool safety and access to swim lessons are important to all involved since it saves lives, improves lives, and creates demand for pools and spas. Swimming is a lifelong skill with great health benefits.
“Step into Swim is excited to step in to this agreement with FSPA and its chapters. Together, we will make a difference in more lives, bringing healthier living and safety to hundreds of Floridians through aquatic fun and fitness,” said Thomas M. Lachocki, Ph.D., and CEO of non-profit National Swimming Pool Foundation, founder of the Step Into Swim Campaign.
FSPA
The Florida Swimming Pool Association is a trade association for the pool and spa industry in Florida. There are more than 600 member businesses in 16 Chapters across the state. Members are required to abide by a code of ethics and to be properly licensed and insured. FSPA provides the industry with access to continuing education courses, information on current trends and issues, an arbitration program and government relations representation. FSPA is governed by a Board of Directors.
About Step Into SwimTM Campaign
In 2012, the National Swimming Pool Foundation launched the Step Into Swim Campaign, a 10-year initiative to create one million more swimmers. Government, industry, medical professionals and insurance companies encourage increased activity. The White Paper clarifies the logic that creating more swimmers creates a healthier society. The gift of swimming opens a spectrum of aquatic activities for these children throughout their lives. Over the past three years, the campaign has continued to fund organizations and partner with others, whose values and interests align.
NSPF
We believe everything we do helps people live healthier lives. Celebrating our 50th Anniversary, we believe we can make a difference by encouraging more aquatic activity, making pools safer and keeping them open. We do this by offering the world’s leading educational products and programs that are technically sound, convenient, and beautifully designed. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, proceeds from our educational products fund research and help create swimmers. In 2012, we launched Step Into SwimTM Campaign, a 10-year initiative to create 1 million more swimmers. To find ways to work together, visit nspf.org, email [email protected], or call 719-540-9119.
