Press Releases
NDPA Responds To Release of CDC Report Citing Rise in Drowning Death Rates
(Tustin, CA – May 16, 2024) – In response to the CDC’s recently released Vital Signs report, the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) remains active in addressing childhood drowning, working year-round to arm parents and communities with life-saving tools and resources while continuing to advocate the importance of the five layers of protection.
On May 14, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released its report Vital Signs: Drowning Death Rates, Self-Reported Swimming Skill, Swimming Lesson Participation, and Recreational Water Exposure for the period 2019-2022. The report revealed that unintentional drowning deaths were significantly higher during 2020, 2021 and 2022 compared with those in 2019. Among the most alarming findings was the rise in drowning rates among children aged 1-4 which increased 28% in 2022 (compared with 2019); and the increases among Black and Hispanic persons across all ages, which rose by 28% (2021 vs. 2019) and 24% (2022 vs. 2019), respectively.
The release of CDC’s Vital Signs coincides with the continuous reports of drowning incidents nationwide during the first half of 2024, with some states reporting both fatal and non-fatal drownings at record levels.
“Of the many misperceptions about drowning, perhaps the most important to dispel, particularly as it relates to children, is that one strategy for prevention is enough,” said Adam Katchmarchi, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, NDPA. “It’s imperative that parents and caregivers practice multiple layers of protection because we know any one of them can fail at any time.”
NDPA encourages parents and caregivers to practice the Five Layers of Protection whenever a child is near open water to prevent a drowning incident. These include:
- Barriers and Alarms – to prevent children from gaining access to a pool or open water unsupervised.
- Supervision – close, constant, and capable adult supervision any time children are in or around water.
- Water Competency – basic water safety skills can help reduce the risk of drowning and aquatic-related injuries.
- Life Jackets (tested and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard) – to provide protection in and around open water.
- Emergency Response Preparedness – including CPR training with rescue breaths and having a phone nearby to call 911.
The CDC report also found that an estimated 40 million U.S. adults reported not knowing how to swim. Thus, NDPA is putting extra emphasis this summer on water competency with its summer-long #FirstSport campaign to change the trajectory for the next generation. The #FirstSport campaign includes a public service video (click here to view/download) which launched on May 1 and has been shared across social media by parents, advocates, athletes and celebrities alike. In addition to the Five Layers of Protection, the video encourages parents to make swimming the #FirstSport they teach their child, because it is the only sport that provides kids with life-saving skills. Non-swimming parents are also encouraged to gain basic water survival skills to better protect themselves and their children.
To date, NDPA’s efforts to educate parents and the public at large have been gaining traction in actioning parents around childhood drowning prevention. In two weeks, the #FirstSport video has received more than one million views on social media, while NDPA’s water safety tool kits, checklists, and online resources have received close to 20,000 downloads since January 2023.
“Too many of our children are lost to drowning each year, but we need to keep in mind that drowning is accidental and can be prevented,” said Adam Katchmarchi, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, National Drowning Prevention Alliance. “We invite the public at large to join us in protecting kids from drowning by watching and sharing the #FirstSport video, becoming water competent themselves, and always practicing the Five Layers of Protection. By adopting the Five Layers of Protection when enjoying a backyard pool, at the beach, or when a child is exposed to open water, parents have the power to prevent drowning.”
According to the CDC, drowning remains the leading cause of death among children aged 1-4. Data also shows that 69% of drowning incidents involving young children occur during non-swim times when a child is drawn back to the water and there are no barriers or adults present, and that teaching a child water competency can help reduce the chances of drowning by as much as 88%.
AUSTIN, Texas (May 21, 2026) — SPS PoolCare, the largest swimming pool services company in the United States, today announced it has acquired the majority of Amenity Pool Services’ pool service operations. The transaction, completed in two portions, spans Amenity’s commercial and residential operations in Phoenix, Tucson, and Jacksonville, Fla., as well as its residential operations in Orlando, Dallas, and Port Charlotte, Fla.
The Amenity transaction builds on SPS PoolCare’s January 2026 acquisition of Pool Troopers, which united the nation’s two largest pool service providers. Amenity Pool Services is ranked #3 on the 2025 PSN/Jandy Top 50 Service List, and together, these transactions reflect the company’s capacity to integrate large, complex operations while delivering the consistent, professional service experience that customers depend on every week.
“Amenity has outstanding team members, service standards, and customer relationships cultivated across key Sun Belt markets,” said Lance Martin, CEO of SPS PoolCare. “With this partnership, customers benefit from our expanded network of skilled technicians, advanced scheduling systems, and comprehensive service offerings that keep their pool in top condition year-round.”
SPS PoolCare, a portfolio company of Storr Group, has acquired more than 200 pool service companies since its inception in 2021. The company seeks to provide customers with continuity by preserving existing service schedules, technician relationships, and pricing structures during each transition onto ServiceTitan’s cloud-based platform. SPS PoolCare now serves more than 50,000 weekly recurring residential and commercial customers across 19 markets in five states.
“This transaction represents another significant step in executing the company’s long-term consolidation strategy and further strengthens the platform’s leadership position in the industry. We look forward to supporting the management team through the next phase of growth and integration,” added Fraser Ramseyer, founder of SPS PoolCare and founder and CEO of Storr Group.
Nation’s largest pool services company acquires operations in Phoenix, Tucson, Dallas, Orlando, Jacksonville, Fla.,and Port Charlotte, Fla.
- Acquisition brings new customers, skilled technicians, and expanded market presence
- SPS PoolCare has acquired over 200 pool service companies since its inception in 2021.
- SPS PoolCare now serves over 50,000 weekly recurring residential and commercial customers across 19 markets in five states.
About SPS PoolCare:
As the #1 swimming-pool service company in the United States, SPS PoolCare is on track to perform over 2,000,000 weekly recurring pool services in 2026 and employs more than 1,000 staff across five states. Backed by Storr Group, the company is focused on growing its family of brands across the Sun Belt, as it continues to make owning a pool a joy. The company is committed to creating a world-class service experience for its customers and to being the employer-of-choice for its team members. Read more at spspoolcare.com
About Storr Group:
Storr Group is an operationally focused lower-middle-market investment firm that backs, builds, and scales industry-leading platforms. With a rich background in business building, Storr combines world-class operators with strategic M&A, deep integration, and sophisticated technology to drive sustainable growth and long-term value. Storr Group has offices in West Palm Beach, New York City, and Austin. To partner today, visit storrgroup.com
For more information, contact:
Madeleine Budge
10 to 1 Public Relations
(480) 514 – 1070
CCEI is pleased to introduce the new Antea VS– a new innovation that allows management of variable speed pumps by seamlessly integrating them into CCEI Vigipool ecosystem. This ultra-compact antenna can be installed effortlessly on a wide range of pumps, delivering advanced connectivity and smart control at your fingertips with the Vigipool app.
With the Antea VS pool professionals can control and configure the pump room from anywhere. Simply plug the antenna into a 12-15 VAC (50-60 Hz) outlet, then connect to the pump and within minutes you have full control on your smartphone. The system automatically adjusts pump room speed based on real-time environmental conditions—such as water temperature and pool cover status—while always giving users the freedom to manually select preferred pump speeds at any time.
To unlock its full potential, the Antea VS is engineered to work alongside the Tild VP automation system which governs the pump’s electrical supply and serves as the backbone of the pump room. Together they control power, filtration, lighting and variable speed pumps using the Vigipool app.
More information about CCEI’s US operations can be found at:
424-800-2191
CCEI USA Inc.
808 Hindry Ave, Suite G
Inglewood, CA 90301
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RENOLIT SOLID is a reinforced PVC membrane engineered to renovate and waterproof decks at residential and commercial aquatic facilities—from community pools to world-class athletic complexes. At 80-mil thick, it delivers a durable, slip-resistant surface that addresses the most common deck challenges: cracks, chips, peeling paint, and more. Designed for both renovation and new construction, RENOLIT SOLID offers long-term, low-maintenance performance. Now available in Sand, Light Grey, and Dark Grey colors to complement any architectural aesthetic.
Phone number: (219) 324-6886
Location: LaPorte, Indiana
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