NSPF Announces Step Into Swim Video Contest Winner

Source: National Swimming Pool Foundation

Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA, October 31, 2012 - The National Swimming Pool Foundation® has awarded $3,000 to Matt Giovanisci, owner of SwimUniversity.com, for his Step Into Swim Campaign video. This winning video illustrates that teaching people to swim is an investment in the next generation. "The video, based on the White Paper published in May 2012, illustrates powerful statistics followed by a simple call to action to donate to the Step Into Swim Campaign, which funds learn-to-swim programs. Drowning and the obesity crisis are serious threats. "The video shows that swimming is a simple solution to prevent drowning and lowering the obesity rate," explains Giovanisci.

When asked why Mr. Giovanisci took time away from his thriving business to create the Step Into Swim video, he responded, "The more people who are taught how to swim, the more people I can teach about pool and hot tub care. Years ago, my 2-year old cousin almost drowned on top of my family's pool cover. Since then, I have made it a personal mission to promote pool safety. When I saw the opportunity to create a video for Step into Swim, I jumped at the chance to use my video skills to promote a cause I care deeply about."

"With Matt's creativity, and the strong message, more people will understand that swim lessons are a gift that solves several problems," says Thomas M. Lachocki, Ph.D. and CEO of the National Swimming Pool Foundation. "If we all invest a little, we give a gift that lasts generations."

Recently the Step Into Swim Campaign gave a total of $40,000 to four non-profit agencies, American Red Cross, JCC Association, U.S. Swim School Association, and 21st Century Swimming. These organizations will teach children and adults in communities they serve across the United States who will learn the lifelong, lifesaving, healthy activity of swimming. Leading companies including POOLCORP, AllChem, and ARCH Chemicals, and a large private donation from Anita Sayed, recently gave generously to the Step Into Swim Campaign. "It makes sense for the pool, spa and aquatics industry to invest in creating more swimmers since more swimmers is the one sure way to foster long-term industry growth," summarizes Dr. Lachocki. In early October, the National Swimming Pool Foundation Board of Directors voted to increase its commitment to the 10-year campaign, and doubled the dollars it will match, from $25,000 to $50,000 for donations received in 2012.

Share the video, and donate today at www.StepIntoSwim.org/donate.asp or by mailing a check to 4775 Granby Circle, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80919, or by calling 719-540-9119. Industry members, family and colleagues are asked to also LIKE the Facebook page at https://www.Facebook.com/StepIntoSwimCampaign and share the link and the video with friends.

About NSPF® The National Swimming Pool Foundation® is a non-profit organization established in 1965, dedicated to improving public health worldwide and is the leading educator of aquatic facility operators and pool and spa professionals, and the chief philanthropic research sponsor in the aquatics field. The foundation has donated over $4 million since 2003 to fund grants to prevent illness, injury, and drowning, and to demonstrate the health benefits of aquatic activity. In 2012, the Foundation launched Step Into Swim Campaign, a 10-year initiative to create 1 million more swimmers. Teaching people to swim is an investment in the next generation. The campaign raises funds that are directly given to leading learn-to-swim organizations. Visit www.nspf.org and www.StepIntoSwim.org to learn more and to donate.