Press Releases
Zac Foundation & Ben Carlson Foundation Create California Water Safety Coalition
The coalition will be launched formally next year at the California Water Safety Summit

The Zac Foundation and The Ben Carlson Memorial & Scholarship Foundation Collaborate to Create California Water Safety Coalition to Coordinate Develop and Implement Water Safety Policies and Programs
GREENWICH, CT/NEWPORT BEACH, CA – November 17, 2021 –The ZAC Foundation (TZF), a national nonprofit based in Greenwich, Conn. dedicated to improving water safety by funding education and effective programming, today announced its partnership with the Ben Carlson Memorial & Scholarship Foundation, a Newport Beach, Calif. based nonprofit promoting beach and ocean safety and assisting in higher education for lifeguards, to create the California Water Safety Coalition to fill a leadership gap in the state’s water safety sector and lead statewide strategy in the development, implementation, and evaluation of water safety policy and educational programs.
California drowning prevention and water safety stakeholders outlined the Coalition’s vision and mission this week during a collaborative online workshop hosted by both foundations. While many of the government, nonprofit, family foundation, and individual stakeholders participating in the summit have collaborated in the past, as a Coalition, they will be able to unite around best practices that will be effective in preventing drowning in pools, lakes, rivers and the ocean.
In California, drowning caused an annual average of 399 deaths between 2005 and 2019, 400 non-fatal hospitalizations between 2005 and 2015, and 1,041 non-fatal emergency department visits between 2006 and 2015. Drowning is the leading cause of injury related death for children under five years old in the state and ranks in the top five unintentional injury related causes of death for all other ages.
“Each drowning is a tragic event with an untold impact on family members, rescue and medical personnel and the community at-large,” said Karen Cohn, co-founder of The ZAC Foundation. “The ZAC Foundation is honored to provide key support and critical funding to help turn this alliance into a reality and start saving lives.”
Cohn noted that a national drowning prevention plan is crucial in the United States because drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages one to four after birth defects. For every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency care for nonfatal submersion injuries.
Chris Carlson, co-founder of the Ben Carlson Foundation expressed his enthusiasm for both the partnership and for the important work that is being taken on by the California Water Safety Coalition: “The ZAC Foundation is supercharging the water safety work in California by providing financial resources and more importantly by introducing us to individuals with the experience and know-how to effectively organize efforts of this type. This is no small task when trying to align and harness the energy of so many drowning prevention experts. We are so grateful for Karen Cohn and Megan Ferraro for what they are doing to support and push this effort forward.”
A principal function of the Coalition will be to prepare participants to implement the National Water Safety Action Plan when it is announced spring 2022 after years of input from water safety advocates nationwide, including from The ZAC Foundation and other California-based water safety leaders, following a recommendation by the World Health Organization for nations to address the drowning crisis globally. Some countries, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Jamaica, and Barbados, already have drowning prevention plans.
The Leadership Group helping to spearhead the creation of the Coalition, includes:
· Megan Ferraro, Executive Director, The ZAC Foundation
· Will Koon, UNSW Beach Safety Research Group
· Julie Lopiccolo, Co-Founder & President, Jasper Ray Foundation
· Rob Williams, Ben Carlson Memorial & Scholarship Foundation
Coalition Workgroup Chairs and their respective areas of expertise include:
· Data / Public Health Surveillance: Erin Malone, MPH, Program Coordinator, Riverside University Health System – Public Health, Injury Prevention Services
· Life Jackets / Personal Flotation Devices and Other Flotation: Melissa Miranda, Boating Education and Outreach Manager, California Department of Parks and Recreation
· Lifeguards / Supervision: Pete DeQuincy, Lifeguard Services Manager, Fire Department/ Lifeguard Services, East Bay Regional Park District
· Barriers, Entrapment & Electrical Safety: Marcia Kerr, Drowning Prevention Foundation, Mary Ann Downing, National Drowning Prevention Alliance
· Water Safety, Water Competence, Swimming Lessons: Nicole McNeill, District Manager, City of San Diego, Parks and Recreation Department
· CPR / Rescue: Leslie Schwene, Marine Safety Officer, City of Huntington Beach, Kristin Thompson, EMS Division Chief, City of Newport Beach
Operating guidelines of the Coalition will be announced next year. For more information on the summit, please visit cawatersafety.org
About The ZAC Foundation
The ZAC Foundation was established in 2008 by Karen and Brian Cohn after the loss of their 6-year-old son Zachary Archer Cohn in a pool drain entrapment in their backyard swimming pool. Through education and advocacy, the Foundation has helped more than 20,000 children and their families learn about the importance of water safety and prepare for a lifetime of water safety. To learn more about The ZAC Foundation, connect with us on Facebook and www.thezacfoundation.org.
About the Ben Carlson Memorial and Scholarship Foundation
The Ben Carlson Memorial & Scholarship Foundation was formed in honor of Ben Carlson, a collegiate water polo player, surfer, and waterman who was the first and only Newport Beach Lifeguard to die in the line of duty since the service was formed in 1923. The Foundation provides annual scholarships and actively engages in water safety programs in California and around the globe.
News
Master Pools Guild Welcomes Red Rock Design Build as Newest Member

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
Office (804) 657-4752
Industry News
Pentair Names Josh Cowley Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, Pentair Pool

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]
Industry News
Hayward Holdings Names New Chief Accounting Officer

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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