Imagine a decline in healthcare cost inflation, reduction in drowning tragedies, improved qualities of life and health, all contributing to industry growth. This can be achieved, according to the National Swimming Pool Foundation® if we simply teach more and more people of all ages to swim. The non-profit, philanthropic organization is launching the Step Into Swim ™ Campaign this year, in an effort to improve public health and reduce drowning. The 10-year campaign will initially partner with nine organizations that teach children, adults, and minority populations to swim. Increasing the numbers of swimmers also builds demand for public and residential pools, spurring growth for the pool, spa and aquatic industry and those who work in this fun and health-focused field.

“Pool builders, retailers, service companies, renovators, distributors, manufacturers and industry associations all have a vested interest in the world having more swimmers,” says Thomas M. Lachocki, Ph.D., CEO with the National Swimming Pool Foundation. “More swimmers means more healthy people who are less likely to drown and more likely to buy a pool and all the associated products,” he adds. “Becoming a swimmer is the first step to opening a spectrum of fun and healthy activities for the entire family — grandparents, grandkids and everyone in between,” adds John Puetz, President of the National Swimming Pool Foundation Board of Directors.

The Step Into Swim Campaign asks pool, spa, and aquatic businesses and associations, and the public sector to sponsor organizations that are already teaching people to swim. The National Swimming Pool Foundation issued a White Paper to help the public and private sector understand the enormous issues facing our society. The paper explains the financial benefit of creating more swimmers — how more people swimming can relieve the skyrocketing healthcare cost propelled by physical inactivity, an aging society, and troublingly drowning rates. “Since, 2003, we have given about $4 million to fund research to solve many important problems and demonstrate the benefits of aquatic activity,” says Mr. Puetz. “Now, we will shift more resources and focus more efforts to solve major problems, by encouraging greater aquatic activity,” Puetz reinforces.

The White Paper summarizes significant facts that clearly illustrate why it is important for stakeholders to unite to fund organizations that create more swimmers. Scholarly research, industry leaders, key government agencies, and learn-to-swim providers guided the report’s content. Obesity and aging place a heavy burden on people with long-term illness and immobility. Similarly, drowning places an enormous burden on victims, family and friends. Beyond the personal pain, the financial burden of obesity alone is estimated to be $147 billion/year. In addition, drowning will cost about $100 billion for the next 20 years. More troubling, about half of Americans are afraid of deep water or cannot swim.

“That is a lot of bad news! The good news is that becoming a ‘swimmer’ gives people a suitable activity that leads to a healthier society, reduced healthcare costs and prevents drowning,” explains Dr. Lachocki. “The better news is that swimming is one of the top three ‘aspirational fitness activities’ for all ages. The best news is that there are many effective, sustainable organizations right now that help people become swimmers, and they are poised to do more with the right funding,” Lachocki emphasizes.

The Step Into Swim Campaign will officially kick off at the Step Into Swim Congress on October 10, just prior to the 9th annual World Aquatic Health™ Conference in Norfolk, Virginia. The Step Into Swim Congress will feature 9 leading organizations that will present proposals to expand their ability to teach more people to swim. Those featured providers will focus on swim programs for children, fearful adults and children, and minority populations. The nine organizations are: YMCA of the USA, Jewish Community Centers, US Swim School Association, World’s Largest Swim Lesson, Miracle Swimming Institute, Strategies for Overcoming Aquatic Phobias, American Red Cross, Make a Splash Campaign, and Swim America. “We are thrilled to organize this campaign, and align with and support these organizations who deliver a valuable primary prevention practice critical to public health and our country’s ability to be economically sound and competitive,” says Dr. Lachocki. “In addition to organizing the Step Into Swim Campaign and Congress, the National Swimming Pool Foundation also plans to donate on an annual basis,” reinforces Puetz.

“Today, we have rolled out www.StepIntoSwim.org, where potential donors and sponsors can learn more and give. We will also share more about the upcoming Step Into Swim Congress. The problem is defined. The solution is clear. The better we work together, the more impact we will make,” summarizes Puetz. “I dream of the day this campaign creates a million MORE swimmers,” he adds. Dr. Lachocki agrees, urging industry and public sector, “Please, take the first step by making a tax deductible donation.”