Press Releases
Step Into Swim Celebrates GivingTuesday by Garnering Support for 2026 Grant Programs
Millions around the world to participate in annual generosity movement on December 2, 2025
(Alexandria, Va.) — This GivingTuesday, Step Into Swim, an initiative of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) dedicated to creating more swimmers through safe swim education, will inspire generosity and expand its lifesaving impact by rallying support for its 2026 learn-to-swim grant programs. Step Into Swim grants increase access to swimming and water safety education for children and communities across the globe.
GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and their world. GivingTuesday kicks off the giving season each year by inspiring people to give back on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and throughout the year.
For Step Into Swim, participating in GivingTuesday is a powerful opportunity to strengthen its mission of creating more swimmers, reducing childhood drowning, and ensuring all children have equitable access to swim education. In 2025 alone, Step Into Swim has:
- Raised over $1.5 million
- Funded 180,000+ swim lessons
- Supported 250+ learn-to-swim programs
- Partnered with leading aquatic organizations, donors, and community programs to expand equity in water safety
- Reached children across 43 states, as well as American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Grand Cayman, and Canada
With continued donor support, Step Into Swim plans to expand its reach even further in 2026 by equipping more swim schools, YMCAs, parks and recreation departments, and aquatic programs with the resources they need to provide safe, effective, and accessible swim lessons.
“Every child deserves the chance to learn how to swim — and every donor who supports Step Into Swim is helping save lives,” said three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Rowdy Gaines, Vice President of Partnerships & Development at PHTA, who leads the Step Into Swim initiative. “GivingTuesday is an incredible opportunity for the pool, spa, and hot tub industry to unite for one cause: eradicating accidental drownings. Together with our supporters, Step Into Swim works every day to ensure more children learn to swim, gain confidence in the water, and enjoy a safer future.”
GivingTuesday began in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past 13 years, it has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. Each action—big or small—contributes to lasting positive change. For more details about GivingTuesday, visit www.givingtuesday.org.
Every dollar donated to Step Into Swim goes directly to learn-to-swim programming. To join Step Into Swim’s GivingTuesday efforts, visit stepintoswim.org/donate.
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About the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance and Step Into Swim™:
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), a non-profit organization with over 4,000 members from around the world, was established in 1956 to support, promote, and protect the common interests of the $62B pool, hot tub, and spa industry. PHTA provides education, advocacy, standards development, research, and market growth initiatives to increase our members’ professionalism, knowledge, and profitability. Additionally, PHTA promotes the use of pools by expanding swimming, water safety, and related research and outreach activities aimed at introducing more people to swimming, making swimming environments safer, and keeping pools open to serve communities. For more information, visit www.phta.org.
Step Into Swim™ is an initiative of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance committed to safe swim education and drowning prevention. By investing in the next generation of swimmers through learn-to-swim programs, the Step Into Swim initiative instills confidence, empowers long-term participation in water activities, touts the positive benefits of water play, and advocates for safe practices. Since its inception in 2012, Step Into Swim has played a role in reducing drowning fatalities and has gifted swim lessons to more than 500,000 children with support from community organizations, partners, industry advocates, members and more. For more information, visit www.stepintoswim.org.
About GivingTuesday:
GivingTuesday is a movement that unleashes the power of radical generosity around the world. It was created in 2012 at New York’s 92nd Street Y and incubated in its Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact. What started as a simple idea of a day that encourages people to do good has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity year-round. The movement is brought to life through a distributed network of entrepreneurial leaders who lead national movements in more than 110 countries across the globe. An integral part of the global generosity movement is the GivingTuesday organization, which offers support and resources to GivingTuesday leaders and fosters connection and collaboration across the network. To learn more about GivingTuesday, please visit: www.givingtuesday.org.
Press Releases
Celebrate National Water Safety Month This May
An annual awareness campaign to increase access to water safety education ahead of the peak summer swim season
(Overland Park, Ks) – The National Water Safety Month Coalition—comprised of the American Red Cross, the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA), the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), and the World Waterpark Association (WWA)—invites all stakeholders to participate in the month-long celebration of National Water Safety Month this May. National Water Safety Month is an annual awareness campaign that provides water safety education for children and adults ahead of the peak summer swim season.
National Water Safety Month was first recognized as a week-long campaign in 2003 and has continued to expand its reach over the past 23 years, becoming a month-long celebration in 2007. The National Water Safety Month Coalition works together to share important safety information to a wide range of audiences, from parents and caregivers to aquatics industry professionals, and works closely with state and local governments to ensure nationwide support.
“We are so excited to be a partner again this year for National Water Safety Month,” says Alissa Magrum, Executive Director of the NDPA. “We know that when water safety and drowning prevention organizations work together with a shared vision of increasing water safety awareness and sharing educational resources, we can multiply our impact—saving more lives and preventing more drownings. Drowning impacts people of all ages and occurs in all kinds of water. The good news is that drowning is preventable and when we work together, we can save lives.”
The public awareness campaign provides educational programming, public service announcements, government proclamations, business promotions, and water safety-themed materials designed to help prevent water-related illnesses, injuries, and fatalities.
“PHTA is proud to be part of the National Water Safety Month Coalition and play a role in strengthening the pool, spa, and hot tub industry’s messaging around the importance of water safety,” says Sabeena Hickman, CAE, President & CEO of PHTA. “Together, we can drastically reduce drowning incidents by sharing lifesaving resources with families and communities across the country—not just in May, but all throughout the year.”
Additional efforts include advocating for improved legislation at the federal, state, and local levels and securing national media coverage to inform families of how to stay safe in and around the water, not just during the summer swim season but all year long.
The Coalition provides water safety activities and resources such as:
Water Safety Season Toolkit
The NDPA offers a free and downloadable water safety season toolkit complete with social media posts, video PSAs, shareable blogs, press release templates, printable documents, and many more resources to support parents, caregivers, and aquatic professionals to help advocate for water safety and drowning prevention during May and throughout the summer season.
International Water Safety Day
International Water Safety Day (May 15, 2026) is designed to help spread global awareness about drowning prevention and educate youth about becoming safer in and around water. May 15th is a day to share drowning awareness and water safety education by any means possible.
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
Celebrating its 17th year of saving lives, the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ (WLSL) holds open registration for aquatic facilities interested in being an official Host Location for the global event that takes place on June 25, 2026. Tens of thousands of kids participate to learn basic water safety skills and help build awareness about the fundamental importance of teaching children to swim to prevent drowning.
Longfellow’s WHALE Tales Water Safety for Children
The American Red Cross offers a complimentary curriculum in English and Spanish complete with interactive videos, posters, and lesson plans that will inspire students while learning to recognize risks and understand water safety.
State Proclamations
The Coalition works to secure gubernatorial proclamations to draw attention to this issue at the state level. Annually, 45-50 governors proclaim May as National Water Safety Month to support this important work.
Safe Swimmer Pledge
Anyone can join the movement to reinforce the importance of water safety and become an advocate in the community. For example, the Safe Swimmer Pledge encourages children to practice safe swimming behaviors such as never swimming alone and obeying pool rules.
Step Into Swim Grants
Step Into Swim, the drowning prevention initiative of PHTA, provides funding to swim lesson providers across the country so they can offer free and low-cost swim lessons to families who could otherwise not afford them.
Social Media
The Coalition will share safety tips and resources across its social media channels throughout the month. Follow along on Facebook and join the #watersafetymonth #NWSM2026 conversations on Instagram. Shareable content is also available through NDPA’s Water Safety Season Tool Kit.
May marks the beginning of swim season as beaches, pools, and waterparks begin to open and people spend more time outdoors. The National Water Safety Month Coalition is determined to increase awareness about vital water safety practices to help keep children and families safer around water. Learning to swim and practicing safe behaviors are critical first steps.
Parents, educators, caregivers, and business owners can find detailed information and free resources in support of National Water Safety Month at www.NationalWaterSafetyMonth.org.
About the National Water Safety Month Coalition
National Water Safety Month is made possible by the National Water Safety Month Coalition, led by the American Red Cross, the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, and the World Waterpark Association. Since 2003, members of the Coalition have worked to raise awareness and promote water safety through educational programs, public service announcements, governmental proclamations, and easy-to-access water safety information and materials. To learn more, visit www.NationalWaterSafetyMonth.org.
Manufacturer
Pentair Pool Opens Charlotte Flagship Customer Experience Center
Pentair Pool has opened a new, industry-leading Customer Experience Center in Charlotte,
establishing the region as a flagship Commercial Hub for the company and reinforcing its continued investment in North Carolina and the broader Southeast. The Southeast represents a strong growth market for the pool industry, and the Charlotte location positions Pentair Pool closer to pool professionals, dealers, and distributor partners it serves — enabling more hands-on training, service, and product testing in a region where demand is strong.
Designed specifically for Pentair Pool customers and partners, the Charlotte Customer Experience Center features full product displays, immersive Pentair University training environments, and a dedicated workspace for Pentair Pool’s commercial teams. The facility was developed to support hands-on learning, collaboration, and real-world application—serving as both a customer destination and an operational hub.
Greg Claffey, SVP and President, Pentair Pool commented on his excitement about the Commercial Center of Excellence, “At Pentair Pool, we are dedicated to delivering quality, innovative pool solutions and a great customer experience. We look forward to welcoming customers to our Customer Experience Center in Charlotte. Together with the Pentair Pool University training center, this immersive space has been thoughtfully curated for to provide customers with a central location to meet with our leadership team, and where they can participate in immersive, impactful, hands-on training and experiences – bringing Pentair Pool’s innovations to life, all in one place.”
The Charlotte location strengthens Pentair Pool’s growing presence across North Carolina, building on its innovation hub in Apex and manufacturing operations in Sanford, expanding its Pentair Pool employee footprint across the Triangle. Together, these sites house Pentair Pool leadership, product development, manufacturing, and customer engagement while positioning the company closer to key commercial and distribution markets.
Claffey continued, “The Charlotte community has long stood at the intersection of industry
excellence and exceptional talent, and we look forward to providing our customers and employees with a place for learning, collaboration, and ideation.”
The facility supports expanded training opportunities, service engagement, and product testing, reinforcing Pentair Pool’s commitment to helping its partners operate more efficiently and effectively in the field.
About Pentair Pool
At Pentair, we help the world safely and sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water, life’s most essential resource. From residential and business solutions to industrial water management and everything in between, Pentair is focused on smart, sustainable water solutions that help our planet and people thrive.
As an industry leader in the pool and spa space, Pentair Pool is driven to help people sustainably enjoy water. Our solutions include industry-leading pumps, automation, lighting, heating, and filtration technologies that help customers enjoy a smarter and more efficient pool. Customer success is central to our vision—bringing family and friends together in the pool and on the deck to build social connections, create lifelong memories, and promote fitness and enjoyment.
For more information, visit pentair.com/pool and follow Pentair Pool on Facebook and Instagram.
Media Contact:
Deborah Foley
PR Consultant for Pentair Pool
[email protected]
Manufacturer
Pentair Announces Leadership Transition for Pentair Pool
Pentair plc (NYSE: PNR), a leader in helping the world sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water life’s most essential resource, today announced that Jerome Pedretti, Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Pentair Pool, will depart the Company effective July 1, 2026. Pedretti concludes a distinguished career with Pentair spanning more than 20 years.
In connection with Pedretti’s departure, Pentair is eliminating the Chief Executive Officer of Pentair Pool role. De’Mon Wiggins, current EVP and President, Pentair Flow and Pentair Water Solutions, will assume responsibility for the Pool segment as EVP and President, Pentair Flow, Water Solutions and Pool, effective April 28, 2026. Pedretti will remain with Pentair through his departure date to support an orderly transition.
“Over more than two decades with Pentair, Jerome has made a significant and lasting impact on our Pool and Flow businesses through his leadership, deep expertise, and unwavering commitment to our customers and our culture,” said John Stauch, Pentair President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are truly grateful for Jerome’s many contributions and for his thoughtful partnership in supporting a smooth transition. With De’Mon’s strong track record of execution and strategic leadership, I am confident in the continued momentum of our Pool business and excited about the opportunities ahead.”
CAUTION CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This release contains statements that we believe to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Without limitation, any statements preceded or followed by or that include the words “targets,” “plans,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “will,” “likely,” “may,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “positioned,” “strategy,” or “future” or words, phrases, or terms of similar substance or the negative thereof are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include the overall global economic and business conditions impacting our business, including the strength of housing and related markets and conditions relating to international hostilities; supply, demand, logistics, competition and pricing pressures related to and in the markets we serve; the ability to achieve the benefits of our restructuring plans, cost reduction initiatives and Transformation Program; the impact of raw material, logistics and labor costs and other inflation; volatility in currency exchange rates and interest rates; failure of markets to accept new product introductions and enhancements; the ability to successfully identify, finance, complete and integrate acquisitions; risks associated with operating foreign businesses; the impact of seasonality of sales and weather conditions; our ability to comply with laws and regulations; the impact of changes in laws, regulations and administrative policy, including those that limit U.S. tax benefits or impact trade agreements and tariffs; the outcome of litigation and governmental proceedings; and the ability to achieve our long-term strategic operating and sustainability goals and targets. Additional information concerning these and other factors is contained in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025. All forward-looking statements, including all financial forecasts, speak only as of the date of this release. Pentair assumes no obligation, and disclaims any obligation, to update the information contained in this release.
ABOUT PENTAIR PLC
At Pentair, we help the world sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water, life’s most essential resource. From our residential and commercial water solutions, to industrial water management and everything in between, Pentair is a core large cap value S&P 500 equity stock focused on smart, sustainable water solutions that help our planet and people thrive.
Pentair had revenue in 2025 of approximately $4.2 billion, and trades under the ticker symbol PNR. With approximately 9,000 global employees serving customers in more than 150 countries, we work to help improve lives and the environment around the world. To learn more, visit www.pentair.com.
Contacts
Media Contact:
Shelly Hubbard
Vice President, Investor Relations
Direct: 612-812-0148
Email: [email protected]
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