Connect with us

PREMIUM SPONSORS

News

Nearly Half of Parents Say Their Child Does Not Know How to Swim

Published

on

PHOENIX, May 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Many Americans do not know how to swim, placing themselves at risk as they enjoy swimming pools, lakes, rivers, and oceans this summer.

  • May marks the 20th Annual National Water Safety Month to call attention to water safety and the importance of learning to swim.
  • Leslie’s, the leading direct-to-consumer pool and spa brand in the U.S., teams up with Cullen Jones, four-time Olympic swimming medalist and the first African American swimmer to hold a world swimming record, to raise awareness of the importance of swimming lessons; maintaining healthy and safe pool water; and securing pool areas.
  • National retailer launches in-store program, May 5 – October 31, to raise funds for Boys and Girls Clubs of America and YMCA to support swim lessons and water safety education programs.

According to a recent Leslie’s-commissioned survey conducted by The Harris Poll, only 63% of U.S. adults say they are very comfortable being around water, and as much as 36% of those surveyed say they do not know how to swim.

The numbers are even more alarming for children. Nearly half the parents of children under 18 years of age say their child does not know how to swim, and 61% say their child has not taken swimming lessons. Almost 30% of parents say they are concerned about their child drowning.

CPO Class - Virtual Online Classes - Become a Certified Pool Operator

Those concerns are well-founded. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), every year in the U.S. there are an estimated 4,000 fatal drownings and 8,000 nonfatal drownings. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. among children ages one to four years with the majority of the drownings occurring in swimming pools versus natural bodies of water. The CDC also reports that drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury death in children and adolescents ages 5 to 19 years old, behind motor vehicle crashes. Among children 5 to 14 years of age, 30% of the drowning deaths occur in swimming pools, while more than half of the drownings among people 15 years or older are in natural waters such as lakes, rivers, and oceans.

“Children are irresistibly drawn to water, whether it’s a backyard pool, a pond, or a river. It’s better to teach them how to be safe in the water than to instruct them to avoid it and hope they listen,” said Cullen Jones, four-time Olympic swimming medalist, who is now a swimming lessons advocate and Leslie’s water safety collaboration partner. “Learning to be safe and at ease in the water also opens up a whole new world of recreational and athletic possibilities, such as boating, fishing and competitive swimming, among others.”     

Jones nearly drowned at age five. His mother reacted — not by keeping him out of the water, but by enrolling him in swimming lessons, where he thrived. While swimming lessons are important, pool owners should take additional safety precautions to prevent drownings.

Three Tenets of Water Safety
A priority at Leslie’s is to spread awareness of three primary tenets of pool safety, including maintaining healthy and safe water, ensuring a secure pool area, and encouraging swimming lessons and water safety education.

Leslie’s is dedicated to helping its customers stay safe during swim season and all year long. To maintain clean and healthy water, regular testing is crucial to uphold proper water balance.  Leslie’s makes it easy with its free AccuBlue in-store water test and treatment plan. The AccuBlue technology is a product of Leslie’s 60 years of water testing experience and the accumulated data from more than 50 million tests. AccuBlue covers 10 parameters and generates a water health score and customized treatment plan to help pool owners get their water back in balance. The company offers additional products, tools, and information to stay safe in and around the pool, from the latest in pool security fencing, gates, safety covers, and alarms to learn-to-swim products.

Encouraging swimming lessons and education, Leslie’s is proud to support the water safety efforts of the YMCA and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. From May 5 through October 31, 2023, Leslie’s will be accepting customer donations in all their more than 1,000 stores across the nation and online to support water safety programs. To benefit our communities, 100% of all donations will be split equally between the YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, both of whom share Leslie’s passion for water safety. Leslie’s and its customers have contributed more than $500,000 to these two nonprofit organizations. For the first time, Leslie’s is sponsoring the Phoenix location of the World’s Largest Swim Lesson, to be held at the South Valley YMCA on June 22, 2023.

About Leslie’s
Founded in 1963, Leslie’s is the largest and most trusted direct-to-consumer brand in the U.S. pool and spa care industry. The Phoenix-based Company serves the aftermarket needs of residential and professional consumers with an extensive and largely exclusive assortment of essential pool and spa care products. The Company operates an integrated ecosystem of more than 1,000 physical locations and a robust digital platform, enabling consumers to engage with Leslie’s whenever, wherever, and however they prefer to shop. Its dedicated team of associates, pool and spa care experts, and experienced service technicians are passionate about empowering Leslie’s consumers with the knowledge, products, and solutions necessary to confidently maintain and enjoy their pools and spas. 

For more information about Leslie’s, visit lesliespool.com or follow and engage with us: @lesliespoolcare on Instagram, Leslie’s on Facebook, and @lesliespoolcare on Twitter.

About Cullen Jones
Cullen Jones is a four-time Olympic medalist and the first African American swimmer to hold a world record. He nearly drowned at age five in a water park in Pennsylvania and after that incident his mother enrolled him in swim lessons, and it soon became clear that Jones had natural talent as a swimmer. He dedicates a significant portion of his time to his role as a water safety advocate. He is a partner of Leslie’s, the most trusted consumer brand in the U.S. pool and spa care industry, as the voice of water safety, especially during May, Water Safety Month, and across the entire swim season.

About the Survey
This survey was conducted online within the U.S. by The Harris Poll on behalf of Leslie’s from April 25-27, 2023, among 2,050 adults ages 18 and older, including 687 parents of children under age 18. Results were weighted for age within gender, region, race/ethnicity, household income, education, marital status, and size of household where necessary to align them with their actual proportions in the population. Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents’ propensity to be online.

Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in Harris Poll surveys. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within + 2.8 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest. 

All sample surveys and polls, whether or not they use probability sampling, are subject to other multiple sources of error which are most often not possible to quantify or estimate, including, but not limited to coverage error, error associated with nonresponse, error associated with question wording and response options, and post-survey weighting and adjustments.

5/5 - (1 vote)

Marianne Trusty is a Press Correspondent for the pool & spa industry. A published author and social media influencer reaching over 20 million people around the world each day. Contact Marianne about publishing op-editorials, breaking pool news and press releases at [email protected].

Click to comment
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Manufacturer

Soake Pools Partners with Slipstream to Elevate At-Home Wellness

Published

on

The Leading Precast Plunge Pool Manufacturer Partners with Slipstream to Bring Swim Technology to Its Premium Plunge Pools

Pembroke, N.H. — April 22, 2026 — Soake Pools, the leader in luxury precast plunge pools, announces a new partnership with Slipstream, the first portable swimming machine that transforms any pool into an endless swim lane. This collaboration introduces Slipstream’s advanced drop-in swim current system as a seamless enhancement to Soake Pools’ premium concrete plunge pool offerings, creating a powerful, new option for water fitness at home with space-saving convenience. 

Slipstream’s battery-powered, portable system transforms virtually any compatible pool into an active swimming environment with a fully adjustable speed current that is both wide and smooth. The easy, tool-free setup allows users to install or remove the device in seconds, making it a flexible and accessible upgrade for both new and existing pool owners. 

The partnership further diversifies Soake Pools’ Fitness & Wellness program by expanding the range of options available to customers beyond the existing Complete Static Swim System. The distinct experiences offered by the Static Swim and Slipstream enhance the versatility of exercise in Soake Pools.  

“This partnership allows us to offer our customers an entirely new way to enjoy their Soake Pool,” said Karen Larson, co-founder of Soake Pools. “By integrating Slipstream, we’re expanding the possibilities for water exercise while collaborating with a like-minded company that shares our commitment to helping homeowners create a truly personalized wellness experience at home. After hosting a unit in our Experience Center, it quickly became one of the most popular features for guests to try, reinforcing the strong demand for this type of offering.”

As part of the partnership, Soake customers will receive an exclusive $250 discount on Slipstream systems. Owners and prospective Soake Pools customers can fill out an online form to receive their offer, which can be stacked onto any active sales. 

“Recognizing the strong alignment between both brands, we saw an opportunity to bring our fitness capabilities and deliver a differentiated solution to Soake Pools customers,” said James Murdock, Founder of Slipstream. “We’re promoting performance and overall wellness while redefining what’s possible in the at-home pool industry.”

With a shared focus on health and personalized fitness, Soake Pools and Slipstream are bringing the benefits of low-impact exercise and performance swimming to more homeowners than ever before.

To learn more about Soake Pools and Slipstream, please visit soakepools.com and swimslipstream.com.

About Soake Pools: Karen and Brian Larson, Co-Founders of Soake® Pools, created the company from the ground up in 2014, deeming them the first company to offer hand-tiled precast concrete plunge pools for the home. Today, Soake Pools is the leading prefabricated plunge pool manufacturer in North America, designing luxury, space-saving pools for year-round use and enjoyment. The team proudly continues its legacy, revolutionizing the industry, offering a steady stream of new dimensions, unparalleled luxury finishes, and a litany of safety, aesthetic, and user-friendly functionalities. Each Soake Pools plunge pool is made to order in New England using state-of-the-art tiles and proprietary concrete, entirely customizable, delivered pre-built and ready to install. Designed to be enjoyed year-round, Soake Pools are equipped with the adjustability for a hot dip in the winter and a cold, refreshing plunge in the summer, and can even provide athletic training with resistance system offerings. Soake Pool’s bespoke, monolithic concrete design offers accessibility in both size and pricing, sustainability in terms of the saltwater contents, lower water usage, and variable speed pumps, offering flexibility with countless physical and mental wellness benefits and, undoubtedly, increased home value.

About Slipstream: Slipstream Swim Machines is redefining the at-home swimming experience with a new generation of portable, high-performance swim technology. Created by James Murdock—the innovator behind Endless Pools—Slipstream represents over 30 years of advancement in swim-in-place systems, delivering a smoother, more natural current in a powerful, easy-to-use design. Engineered for simplicity and versatility, Slipstream’s battery-powered swim machines can be placed in virtually any pool—inground or above-ground—without the need for construction, wiring, or permanent installation. The system creates a consistent, adjustable current suitable for all levels, from beginners and families to competitive swimmers, triathletes, and rehabilitation users. Designed to remove the barriers of traditional swim systems, Slipstream combines portability, quiet operation, and performance in a lightweight format that brings year-round swim training and low-impact aquatic fitness into the home. By eliminating the need for shared lanes, travel to pools, and flip turns, Slipstream enables a continuous swim experience that is both convenient and highly effective. With a commitment to innovation, accessibility, and user-focused design, Slipstream Swim Machines is leading the next evolution of swimming—empowering individuals to train, recover, and enjoy the water on their own terms.

Rate this post

Continue Reading

News

Landmark Aquatic Taps Waterpark Industry Veteran Craig Nielsen

Published

on

Craig-Nielsen - Landmark Aquatic

With 25 Years of Hands-On Experience and an Owner-Operator Perspective, Nielsen Brings Unmatched Expertise as Landmark Enters the Next Era of Waterpark Innovation

Landmark Aquatic is pleased to now have Craig Nielsen as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships. Nielsen founded and led CEM Aquatics for over 25 years before CEM’s acquisition by Landmark in early 2026. Bringing a rare blend of design, construction, and owner-operator experience to Landmark’s leadership team, Nielsen’s elevation to this role signals Landmark’s commitment to leading the waterpark industry through what Nielsen calls its most exciting period of transformation yet.

Nielsen has watched the waterpark industry evolve from the ground up. “In the early 2000s, the model was remarkably consistent — flume slides, tube rides, lazy rivers, and a snack bar,” he recalls. “The most sophisticated technology on the property was probably the water chemistry controller.” The first seismic shift came when brands like Great Wolf Lodge inverted the traditional waterpark model, making the indoor waterpark the hotel’s core amenity rather than a side attraction. “Suddenly, a family destination that once operated 90 days a year was generating revenue 365 days a year — making it a fundamentally different business.”

Today, the competitive field has widened dramatically. Hotel chains, casino operators, cruise lines, and mixed-use real estate developers are all investing in waterparks as proven drivers of occupancy and revenue. Nielsen speaks from firsthand experience as co-owner of Cowabunga Canyon in Summerlin and Cowabunga Park in Henderson, Nevada. “Consumers today are often selecting their vacation resorts based on the waterpark offerings,” he says. “The secret is out — waterparks attract people, and everyone is building them.”

Looking ahead, Nielsen points to surf parks, next-generation adventure rivers, and AI-powered guest experiences as the defining frontiers of waterpark development. “Surf parks today are where indoor waterpark resorts were in the early 2000s — those who embrace them in the next three to five years will have a significant first-mover advantage,” he says. On technology, Nielsen is equally bullish: “AI is already improving everything from water chemistry to pump operations.

Soon, interactive AI experiences that track guests, create competitions, and reward participation will become the norm — it’s genuinely exciting.”

It is precisely this convergence of technology, capital, and consumer appetite that Nielsen intends to help Landmark Aquatic navigate. “Technology, capital, and a genuinely evolved consumer appetite for water-based experiences are converging in a way I haven’t seen in 25 years,” he says. “The barriers that once limited this industry — seasonality, demographic reach, geographic constraints — are all disappearing simultaneously. The wave is building, and I’m proud to help Landmark ride it.”

About Landmark Aquatic

Landmark Aquatic is a premier provider of commercial aquatic facility design, construction, and maintenance, with more than six decades of industry leadership. Serving clients nationwide, Landmark delivers construction-led solutions supported by its CPO-certified AquatiCare maintenance team, ensuring excellence “for the life of your pool.” Committed to the full lifecycle of every facility, Landmark prioritizes long-term partnerships while adapting to client needs through exceptional service, operational excellence, and forward-thinking solutions.

Contact info:

Website: www.landmarkaquatic.com

Email: [email protected]

Ph:1-888-871-2887

Rate this post

Continue Reading

News

RENOLIT Offers Natural Pool reinforced PVC membrane

Published

on

RENOLIT Natural Swimming Pool

RENOLIT is pleased to offer its ‘Natural Pool’ collection of reinforced membranes specifically developed to be used on ‘natural’ or ‘bio’ swimming pools and ponds. Manufactured without biocides or fungicides, this product is completely compatible and safe to use with plants and aquatic life. The ‘Natural Pool’ product is a non-toxic polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pool membrane created to help builders and landscape designers easily offer this trending ‘natural swimming pool’ to environmentally conscious consumers.

A natural swimming pool is a constructed body of water that replicates the conditions found in naturally occurring ponds or lakes and optimizes these conditions to provide high water quality for bathers. The system is often completely chemical-free, with no devices that disinfect or sterilize the water (e.g. UV, ozone, ionizers, etc.).

For the most successful ‘natural swimming pool’ applications, the pool interior needs to be non-porous. As a result, a PVC membrane is ideal rather than plaster or gunite which are both porous and allow excessive biofilm growth, making it difficult to keep the pool clean.

Natural swimming pools are becoming more popular as consumers demand more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Advancements in biofiltration and PVC membranes are making these pools more accessible and efficient. Learn more at https://renolit-alkorplan.com/collections/natural-pool

Phone number: (219) 324-6886 I Website: https://renolit-alkorplan.com/

Location: LaPorte, Indiana

Rate this post

Continue Reading

Pool News

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x