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USA Swimming Foundation Awards $898,184 in 2022 Grant Funding for
Swim Lesson Providers

$200,000 of funding made possible through Step Into Swim donation, total grant award is largest in USA Swimming Foundation history

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USA Swimming Foundation Awards $898,184 in 2022 Grant Funding for Swim Lesson Providers

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The USA Swimming Foundation today announced that it has awarded $898,184 to learn to swim programs across the country through its 2022 grant program – the largest ever dollar amount awarded through its grant program for swim lesson providers. A gift of $200,000 from Step Into Swim, an initiative of the Pool & Hot Tub Foundation (PHTF) committed to safer swim education and drowning prevention, along with an additional $80,000 approved by the USA Swimming Foundation Board of Directors, helped bring youth learn to swim grant awards to the largest amount in USA Swimming foundation history.

The USA Swimming Foundation, the philanthropic arm of USA Swimming, vetted 184 youth grant applications through a competitive annual review process, selecting 102 programs across 29 states to receive $763,184 in funding as part of its 2022 grant program for swim lesson providers. These grants will support youth programs offering free or reduced-cost swim lessons, providing an estimated 19,870 children with the opportunity to learn how to swim.

A strong advocate of USA Swimming Foundation, Step Into Swim’s donation helps the Foundation continue to save lives and build champions. 

“Learning to swim from a qualified instructor drastically reduces the risk of childhood drowning by 88%. The more awareness we bring to the importance of swim instruction, the more lives we can save,” said three-time Olympic gold medalist and VP of Partnerships and Development for PHTA Rowdy Gaines. “Step Into Swim is proud to collaborate with an organization like the USA Swimming Foundation, whose efforts to support learn-to-swim programs is important, life-saving work.”

For the first time, the USA Swimming Foundation has also awarded grant funding to programs that focus on adult learn-to-swim efforts, granting $135,000 to 39 adult learn-to-swim programs across 22 states, providing an estimated 2,007 adults the opportunity to learn how to swim.  Earlier in 2021, U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS) moved its fundraising efforts for adult learn-to-swim programs from its Swimming Saves Lives Foundation to the USA Swimming Foundation, bringing all learn-to-swim fundraising efforts under the USA Swimming Foundation. U.S. Masters Swimming continues to own and administer adult learn-to-swim curriculum and certification for instructors, as well as provide resources to programs offering adult lessons throughout the United States. 

The following programs have been awarded 2022 USA Swimming Foundation grant funding: 

Youth Learn to Swim Programs

ProgramCityState
Andrson Swim School LLC CincinnatiOhio
Bangor Region YMCA    BangorMaine
Boys & Girls Club of Deep East Texas NacogdochesTexas
Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence    LawrenceMassachusetts
Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, Inc.    ChicagoIllinois
City of Aiken AikenSouth Carolina
City of Anoka AnokaMinnesota
City of Bakersfield Recreation and Parks    BakersfieldCalifornia
City of Colusa    ColusaCalifornia
City of Englewood EnglewoodNew Jersey
City of Englewood, CO EnglewoodColorado
City of Folsom    FolsomCalifornia
City of Jersey City    Jersey CityNew Jersey
City of King King CityCalifornia
City of Marion MarionIllinois
City of Memphis MemphisTennessee
City of Myrtle Beach, SC Myrtle BeachSouth Carolina
City of Peoria    PeoriaArizona
City of Riverside RiversideCalifornia
City Swim Project BuffaloNew York
CLE Swimming, LLC    Olmsted FallsOhio
Clovis Unified School District ClovisCalifornia
College Hill Presbyterian Swim Ministry    CincinnatiOhio
Dad’s Club Aquatic Center /  Dad’s Club Swim Start    HoustonTexas
Evanston Swim School LLC EvanstonIllinois
Fort Worth Drowning Prevention Coalition    Fort WorthTexas
Grand Rapids Ray and Joan Kroc Salvation Army Kroc Corps Community Center    Grand RapidsMichigan
Greater Holyoke YMCA HolyokeMassachusetts
Greater Peoria Family YMCA    PeoriaIllinois
Greater Richmond Aquatics Partnership RichmondVirginia
Harris County Precinct One Street Olympics, Inc. HoustonTexas
Historic Cleveland Ave YMCA of Montgomery, AL (YMCA of Greater Montgomery)    MontgomeryAlabama
Inspirational Triathlon Racing International d/b/a i-tri    East HamptonNew York
Jewish Community Center–Indianapolis IndianapolisIndiana
Kenosha YMCA KenoshaWisconsin
Kraken Swim School    HubbardOhio
Leadership, Education and Athletics in Partnership, Inc    New HavenConnecticut
Madison Area YMCA    MadisonNew Jersey
Magnolia Independent School District  – Magnolia Aquatic Club    MagnoliaTexas
Merrimack Valley YMCA LawrenceMassachusetts
Metro Aquatics Boosters    TacomaWashington
Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges  LivingstonNew Jersey
Michigan City Piranha Swim    Michigan CityIndiana
Mundelein Swim School LLC MundeleinIllinois
Muskegon Heights Public School Academy Systems MuskegonMichigan
Muskegon YMCA    MuskeonMichigan
Nashville Dolphins NashvilleTennessee
NILE SWIM CLUB OF YEADON    YeadonPennsylvania
North Dallas Aquatics Inc. FriscoTexas
North Suburban Young Men’s Christian Association NorthbrookIllinois
Northbrook Swim School LLC NorthbrookIllinois
Port Charlotte Pirates Swim Club, Inc.    MurdockFlorida
Raritan Valley YMCA, A New Jersey Non-Profit Corporation    East BrunswickNew Jersey
Robbinsdale Community Education-District 281    PlymouthMinnesota
Rutherford Swim Association    RutherfordNew Jersey
Santa Fe Aquatics    Santa FeNew Mexico
Sensory Enhanced Aquatics    Kansas CityKansas
sharks swim club League CityTexas
Silver Bay YMCA    Silver BayNew York
South Sound Young Men’s Christian Association OlympiaWashington
Specialty Aquatic Programs LLC    TroyMichigan
St. Augustine Preparatory Academy/Walter Schroeder Aquatic Center    MilwaukeeWisconsin
Stamford Family YMCA    StamfordConnecticut
SwemKids International, Inc. AtlantaGeorgia
Swim Beyond LLC    AtlantaGeorgia
Swim Center at Westminster School    SimsburyConnecticut
Swim to the Top    TuscaloosaAlabama
SwimLabs Littleton    LittletonColorado
Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA, Inc.    TampaFlorida
TANKPROOF    PrairievilleLouisiana
The Gift of Swimming    Winter GardenFlorida
The Riverbrook Regional YMCA, Inc. WiltonConnecticut
The Salvation Army Rancho Palos VerdesCalifornia
The West Cook YMCA, Inc.   Oak ParkIllinois
Tillamook County Family YMCA    TillamookOregon
Trident Swim Foundation, Inc.    New YorkNew York
Tucson Jewish Community Center, Inc.    TucsonArizona
Upper Palmetto YMCA Rock HillSouth Carolina
Urban Swim Cleveland LLC Cleveland HeightsOhio
V3 Sports MinneapolisMinnesota
Valley of the Sun YMCA PhoenixArizona
Woodland Hills Aquatic Team    PittsburghPennsylvania
YMCA of Boulder Valley LafayetteColorado
YMCA of Eastern Union County ElizabethNew Jersey
YMCA of Greater Dayton – Downtown Branch    DaytonOhio
YMCA of Greater Louisville    LouisvilleKentucky
YMCA of Greater Michiana    NilesMichigan
YMCA of Greater Omaha OmahaNebraska
YMCA of Greater Seattle    SeattleWashington
YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County KingstonNew York
YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago    ChicagoIllinois
YMCA of New Orleans Metropolitan MetairieLouisiana
YMCA of Prattville, Alabama, Inc. PrattvilleAlabama
YMCA of Snohomish County    EverettWashington
YMCA of South Collier    Marco IslandFlorida
YMCA of Southwest Washington    LongviewWashington
YMCA of the Greater Houston Area HoustonTexas
YMCA of the North MinneapolisMinnesota
YMCA of the North Shore, Inc. BeverlyMassachusetts
YMCA, Boston AttleboroMassachusetts
YWCA Evanston/North Shore    EvanstonIllinois
YWCO of Athens, GA, Inc. AthensGeorgia

Adult Learn to Swim Programs

ProgramCityState
Bangor Region YMCABangorMaine
Central Adult Learn-to-Swim, Inc.Louisville  Kentucky
City of Englewood Recreation DepartmentEnglewood  New Jersey
City of Rockport – Community PoolRockport  Texas
Evolutionary Aquatics, LLCCharlotte  North Carolina
Find Your Fins, IncTucson  Arizona
Fort Worth Drowning Prevention CoalitionFort Worth  Texas
Friends of + POOL, Inc.New YorkNew York
Greenville SplashMauldinSouth Carolina
Groton RecreationGrotonNew York
Jewish Community Center of Greater BaltimoreOwings Mills  Maryland
Marin Aquatic MastersNovato  California
Miracle Swimming School for Adults, LLCSarasotaFlorida
Montgomery County RecreationWheatonMaryland
Moscow Chinook Masters- Adult Learn to SwimMoscow  Idaho
Mt. Pleasant AquaticsMt. Pleasant  Utah
Muskegon Young Men’s Christian AssociationMuskegon  Michigan
Muslimahs Endure, IncAtlanta  Georgia
Phoenix Swim ClubParadise ValleyArizona
Piedmont Family YMCACharlottesville  Virginia
Raritan Valley YMCAEast BrunswickNew Jersey
Rhythm and Stroke LLCCleveland  Ohio
Rockland County YMCANyackNew York
S3 Swim DBA Specialty Aquatic Programs LLCTroy  Michigan
Sensory Enhanced AquaticsKansas CityKansas
Sigma SwimmingFort WorthTexas
SilverPeak PerformanceSunland  California
Swim Fit AlaskaFairbanksAlaska
SwimBox Community FoundationSpringfield  Virginia
Swimming with Alaska MastersAnchorageAlaska
Team New York Aquatics, Inc.New YorkNew York
The Salvation Army Western Territorial HeadquartersRancho Palos VerdesCalifornia
Valley of the Sun YMCAPhoenix  Arizona
West Suburban YMCANewtonMassachusetts
YMCA of Greater CincinnatiCincinnati  Ohio
YMCA of Greater HoustonHouston  Texas
YMCA of Kingston and Ulster CountyKingstonNew York
YMCA of South Palm Beach County, Inc.Boca Raton  Florida
Young Women’s Christian Organization (YWCO)AthensGeorgia
Zionsville Aquatic Center/Zionsville Com SchoolsZionsvilleIndiana

The USA Swimming Foundation works to strengthen the sport of swimming by raising funds to support programs that save lives and build champions. To learn more about the USA Swimming Foundation, including how to find a learn-to-swim program in your area and grant opportunities, please visit www.usaswimming.org/foundation.

Since its inception, the Step Into Swim program has provided nearly 300,000 children with free swimming lessons. To learn more about this initiative, please visit www.stepintoswim.org.

###

About USA Swimming

As the National Governing Body for the sport of swimming in the United States, USA Swimming is a 400,000-member service organization that promotes the culture of swimming by creating opportunities for swimmers and coaches of all backgrounds to participate and advance in the sport through clubs, events, and education. Our membership is comprised of swimmers from the age group level to the Olympic Team, as well as coaches and volunteers. USA Swimming is responsible for selecting and training teams for international competition, including the Olympic Games, and strives to serve the sport through its core objectives: build the base; promote the sport; achieve competitive success. For more information, visit www.usaswimming.org.

Contact: Jessica Delos Reyes (719-439-8707/ [email protected])  

About USA Swimming Foundation

The USA Swimming Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm of USA Swimming. Established in 2004, the Foundation works to strengthen the sport by saving lives and building champions. Whether we’re equipping our children and adults with the life-saving skill of learn-to-swim, or providing financial support to our heroes on the U.S. National Team, the USA Swimming Foundation aims to provide the wonderful experience of swimming to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay, across the country. Learn more at www.usaswimming.org/foundation.

Contact: Jessica Delos Reyes (719-439-8707/ [email protected]

About Pool & Hot Tub Alliance

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), a non-profit organization with nearly 3,500 members from around the world, was established in 1956 to support, promote, and protect the common interests of the $36.5B pool, hot tub, and spa industry. PHTA provides education, advocacy, standards development, research, and market growth to increase our members’ professionalism, knowledge, and profitability. Additionally, PHTA facilitates the expansion of 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.

Contact: Janay Rickwalder (703-357-3918) / [email protected])

About Step Into Swim

Step Into SwimTM is an initiative of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance and its foundation committed to safe swim education and drowning prevention. By investing in the next generation of swimmers through learn-to-swim programming, 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 285,000 children with support from community organizations, partners, industry advocates, members and more. For more information, visit www.stepintoswim.org.

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Marianne Trusty

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].

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Master Pools Guild Welcomes Red Rock Design Build as Newest Member

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Red Rock Design Build showing Brett and Rick

Arizona-based custom pool builder joins international network of industry professionals dedicated to excellence in design, construction, and collaboration.

RICHMOND, VA — October 23, 2026 — Master Pools Guild (MPG), an international network of distinguished custom swimming pool builders, is pleased to announce Red Rock Design Build of Chandler, Arizona, as its newest member. Led by longtime friends and business partners Rick Chafey and Brett Blauvelt, Red Rock Design Build specializes in custom swimming pools, landscape design, and complete outdoor living environments, bringing a team-oriented approach to creating exceptional spaces for its clients.

Red Rock Design Build has established itself through a commitment to quality craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and personalized service. The company’s team works closely with homeowners to create outdoor environments that seamlessly integrate swimming pools, landscaping, and functional living spaces.

With decades of combined experience in the pool and construction industries, Rick and Brett bring complementary expertise to the company. Rick’s extensive background in swimming pool construction and technical craftsmanship, combined with Brett’s experience in design, business management, and construction operations, provides a strong foundation for the Red Rock team.

“Rick and Brett have built a company that reflects the values we look for in our members,” said Teri Wiltshire, Executive Director of Master Pools Guild. “Their team’s dedication to craftsmanship, attention to detail, and commitment to creating exceptional outdoor environments align with the standards of our organization. We’re excited to welcome Red Rock Design Build to the Guild and look forward to the experience and perspective their entire team will bring to our network.”

For Red Rock Design Build, joining Master Pools Guild represents an opportunity to connect with other accomplished builders, exchange ideas, and continue developing the knowledge and resources that benefit both the company and its clients.

“At Red Rock, we’ve always believed that surrounding ourselves with knowledgeable, talented people makes us better at what we do,” said Rick Chafey, Co-Founder of Red Rock Design Build. “Joining Master Pools Guild allows our entire team to learn from other respected builders, share ideas, and continue raising the bar for the projects we create.”

“One of the things we’re most excited about is the opportunity to bring new ideas and perspectives back to our team,” added Brett Blauvelt, Co-Founder of Red Rock Design Build. “The relationships and shared knowledge within Master Pools Guild will help us continue growing as a company while delivering the level of quality and service our clients expect.”

As a member of Master Pools Guild, Red Rock Design Build joins an international network of independent pool builders committed to advancing the industry through education, innovation, and collaboration. Members regularly exchange knowledge on construction techniques, emerging technologies, design trends, and business practices.

The addition of Red Rock Design Build further strengthens MPG’s network of professionals who share a dedication to craftsmanship, continuous improvement, and the advancement of the swimming pool industry.

About Red Rock Design Build

Red Rock Design Build is a Chandler, Arizona-based company specializing in custom swimming pools, landscape design, and outdoor living environments. Led by business partners Rick Chafey and Brett Blauvelt, the company brings together a skilled team of professionals dedicated to creating thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces. With an emphasis on craftsmanship, collaboration, and personalized service, Red Rock Design Build works closely with clients to transform their outdoor living visions into reality.

About Master Pools Guild

Master Pools Guild is an international network of independent custom swimming pool builders dedicated to excellence in design, construction, education, and collaboration. Through shared knowledge, industry resources, and professional relationships, MPG members work together to advance the art and business of swimming pool construction.

Media Contact:
Cheryl Lewis

[email protected]

Office (804) 657-4752

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Industry News

Pentair Names Josh Cowley Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, Pentair Pool

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a picture of a man

London, United Kingdom – October 19, 2026 – Pentair plc (NYSE: PNR), a leader in helping the world sustainably move, improve and enjoy water, life’s most essential resource, today announced that it has named Josh Cowley as Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Pentair Pool, effective November 9, 2026. Mr. Crowley will report to De’Mon Wiggins, Executive Vice President and President, Pentair Flow, Water Solutions and Pool.

“Josh brings deep pool industry knowledge, a strong understanding of our customers and a proven ability to turn strategy into action,” said John L. Stauch, Pentair President and Chief Executive Officer. “His successful commercial and operating track record, coupled with his business acumen and leadership experience, will help build on the strength of our Pool business, enhance customer relationships and position Pentair Pool for long-term growth. We are pleased to welcome him to Pentair.”

Cowley brings more than 25 years of leadership experience and a successful track record of scaling businesses, building teams and strengthening channel partnerships. Most recently, he served as Chief Executive Officer of May Manufacturing, a leading hot tub and swim spa manufacturer, where he led the company through a significant phase of growth by establishing a customer centric culture with focused strategic priorities, expanding customer relationships, building a solid leadership team, and improved overall financial performance.

Prior to that, Cowley served as Chief Commercial Officer of Latham Group, the largest designer, manufacturer and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia and New Zealand, where he led global sales, customer service, product and channel management, and brand marketing. Earlier in his career, from 2005 to 2021, he held several senior leadership roles at Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., including President and General Manager of North America Retail Sales & Marketing. Cowley earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sport science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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.

PENTAIR CONTACTS:

Jeff Thompson
Investor Relations
Direct: 763-656-5527
Email: [email protected]

Rebecca Osborn
Corporate Communications
Direct: 763-656-5589
Email: [email protected]

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Hayward Holdings Names New Chief Accounting Officer

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CHARLOTTE, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Hayward Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HAYW) (“Hayward” or the “Company”), a leading global pool and outdoor living technology company, today announced the appointment of Jared Arrowood as Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer, effective immediately. As principal accounting officer, Arrowood will oversee the Company’s global financial reporting, tax, operational finance and technical accounting functions.

“Jared’s experience as a financial executive for publicly traded global organizations and his deep understanding of our business make him exceptionally well suited for this role,” said Eifion Jones, Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer. “I am confident his technical expertise, leadership and business perspective will continue to strengthen our finance organization and support long-term value creation for shareholders.”

Arrowood will continue to report to Jones as part of his financial leadership team.

Arrowood joined Hayward in 2023 as Assistant Corporate Controller and was promoted to Vice President, Corporate Controller in 2024. He has helped strengthen the Company’s financial processes, controls and continuous improvement efforts across the global controllership organization. Prior to Hayward, Arrowood spent 17 years at SPX FLOW, including serving as Vice President of Finance for its Mixing Solutions division.

He holds a Master of Accounting from the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School and a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He is a certified public accountant.

About Hayward Holdings, Inc.
Hayward Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HAYW) is a leading global specialty water management company focused on designing and manufacturing pool and outdoor living technology and industrial flow control products. Driven by a mission to transform the experience of water, Hayward offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy‑efficient and sustainable pool equipment—including pumps, heaters, sanitizers, filters, LED lighting, water features, and cleaners—integrated through its intuitive, IoT‑enabled SmartPad™ platform. The Company also provides industrial thermoplastic valves and process control products serving a wide range of applications.

Investor Relations Contact: 
Kevin Maczka
[email protected] 

Media Relations Contact: 
Misty Zelent
[email protected]

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