Master Pools Guild Commits $40,000 to Step Into Swim

Master Pools Guild

As part of its goal to bring the joy and substantial benefits of swimming to children across all communities, Master Pools Guild committed $40,000 to the Pool & Hot Tub Foundation (PHTF) initiative Step Into Swim, a national program dedicated to providing safe swim education.

Through the Step Into Swim initiative, MPG can share its passion for aquatic recreation and make swimming lessons accessible to all children. 

“Drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4,” said Rowdy Gaines, three-time Olympic Gold Medalist and VP of Partnerships and Development at PHTA. “Through MPG’s generous contribution we are able to make stronger strides to combat childhood drowning—with a focus in under-resourced communities—so that we can keep children safer in the water.”

“We are very excited to be partnering in the Step Into Swim Program with PHTF," MPG Executive Director Teri Wiltshire said. "Creating more swimmers and providing safe swim education are goals we share and believe must be promoted by all our industry. With Rowdy’s enthusiasm and leadership, we are confident he will bring this year’s program to a very strong finish, and we are proud to be part of the team."

“I am in awe of how far Step Into Swim has come thanks to the leadership of key partners like MPG,” said PHTA President and CEO Sabeena Hickman. “In 2021, Step Into Swim raised over $500,000 from the pool and hot tub industry, which provided grants to 22 across the country funding 6,297 swimming lessons for children, and we are on pace to exceed that in 2022. We are now accepting grant applications from aquatic facilities for 2022, so please encourage your communities to apply before March 31.”