(Alexandria, Va.) – The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, is pleased to announce that Dr. Adam Katchmarchi (Ph.D.) has joined the organization as Vice President of Educational Development. Dr. Katchmarchi begins his role effective July 1, 2025.

As Vice President of Educational Development, Dr. Katchmarchi will collaborate closely with PHTA staff, partners, and industry professionals to enhance and expand PHTA’s educational programming. His primary responsibilities will include developing innovative courses and trainings, elevating the quality and accessibility of educational content, and fostering strategic partnerships aimed at enriching industry-wide professional development. He will coordinate closely with Jeanne Mendelson, Vice President of Educational Operations & Sales, to lead PHTA educational programs and services.

“I am extremely honored and excited to join the incredible team at the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance in this role,” says Dr. Katchmarchi. “I look forward to leveraging my background in aquatics education and water safety advocacy to support PHTA’s mission. Together, we will deliver high-caliber, impactful educational opportunities that help our members thrive professionally and enhance industry standards.”

Dr. Katchmarchi brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new position. Prior to joining PHTA, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA), where he successfully implemented national initiatives focused on water safety awareness and drowning prevention. His leadership facilitated transformative partnerships across the public and private sectors, significantly advancing water safety education.

In addition to his executive experience, Dr. Katchmarchi was a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Allied and Public Health at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), a position he held from 2014 to 2025. An accomplished educator and researcher, Dr. Katchmarchi has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and frequently presents at both national and international conferences.

Dr. Katchmarchi earned his Ph.D. in Coaching and Teaching Studies from West Virginia University, with research specializing in water safety education. He also holds a Master of Science in Sport Management from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Slippery Rock University, both with focuses on aquatics and aquatic safety.

“Dr. Katchmarchi is an exceptional addition to our leadership team,” says Sabeena Hickman, CAE, President & CEO of PHTA. “His distinguished career and dedication to aquatic safety, education, and advocacy make him ideally suited to elevate PHTA’s educational initiatives. We are excited about the impact he will have on our members and the industry as a whole.”

For more information, please contact Amy Willer, PHTA’s Director of Content and Communications, at [email protected] or 703-838-0083, ext. 121.

About the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), a non-profit organization with 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.

Honoring public health officials and departments with $5,000

(Alexandria, Va.) — The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Dr. R. Neil Lowry Grant. The winners will be honored at the PHTA Awards Ceremony at the International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo in Las Vegas, NV, on October 21, 2025.

Given in the memory of Dr. Robert Neil Lowry, a long-time member of PHTA and the PHTA Recreational Water & Air Quality Committee (RWAQC), this $5,000 grant honors a public health official or department who has made outstanding contributions to advance the public’s health and safe use of recreational water in pools, spas, and waterparks through educational, safety, operational, and technical programs.

“Knowing Neil at the beginning of my career in this industry impacted me in a profound way,” says Jody O’Grady, Chair of the RWAQC. “His knowledge of applying chemistry to keep everyone safe through education was invaluable. I am proud to be chairing the committee that reviews and selects this award so his legacy, through education, will continue.”

To be considered for the Lowry Grant, the public health official or department must describe their planned or proposed program, the service provided and how it benefits public health and safety, the impact of the expected results, and how the grant funds will be used. The nomination deadline is Friday, August 1, 2025.

Past winners of the Lowry Grant include: Central Valley Health District, 2024; Craven County Environmental Health, 2023; Fishers Health Department, 2022; City of North Richland Hills, 2021; Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment, 2019; Arizona Department of Health Services, 2018; Quechan Parks & Recreation, 2017; Riverside County California Department of Health, 2016; Columbus Public Health, 2015; Middlesex-London Health Unit of London, Ontario, 2014; Brevard County Environmental Health Services Department, 2013; Sacramento County Environmental Management Department, 2012; Alexandria Health Department, 2011; City of Houston, 2010; and City of Plano, 2009.

For more information about the grant and to submit a nomination form, visit www.phta.org/lowry-grant.

About the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), a non-profit organization with more than 3,700 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 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.

About PHTA’s Recreational Water & Air Quality Committee (RWAQC)
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance’s RWAQC develops and maintains verifiable science-based information regarding sanitization technology and chemical products for use in pools, spas, and hot tubs. The committee also has an important role in the development of the chemical and sanitation sections for American National Standards Institute (ANSI) PHTA standards, including the ANSI/APSP/ICC-11 American National Standard for Water Quality in Public Pools and Spas. For a current listing of Committee members or more information, email [email protected].

Drowning remains the leading cause of accidental death for children ages one to four in the United States—a tragic reality that is often preventable. As May marks National Water Safety Month, there’s no better time to spotlight the steps parents, guardians, and pool owners can take to protect children during swim season. Dr. Adam Katchmarchi, a nationally recognized expert in drowning prevention and water safety, joined Pool Magazine Podcast to offer practical, potentially life-saving advice.

Why Pool Safety Month Matters

“May is really the kickoff to the summer swim season,” said Katchmarchi. “It’s when many backyard pools start opening, and public recreation facilities and waterparks begin operations. It’s the perfect time to remind families to put water safety front and center.”

The idea isn’t to overcomplicate things. In fact, Katchmarchi emphasized that most drowning prevention measures are simple and actionable. “This isn’t complicated information. These are easy steps people can take to keep their families safer.”

Understanding When and Where Drowning Happens

One of the most alarming statistics Katchmarchi shared is that 70% of toddler drownings happen during non-swim times. “We tend to think drowning only occurs when kids are in the water with us,” he explained. “But for young children, it often happens when they wander off and find a water feature unsupervised.”

Whether it’s a backyard pool, decorative pond, or even a creek nearby, unsupervised access to water is a major hazard. That’s why having proper barriers and safety fencing is so critical. “Any water feature is attractive to a curious child. Without barriers, it becomes an invitation to tragedy.”

The Risk of Overconfidence

Even parents of older children need to be cautious. According to Katchmarchi, many parents overestimate their child’s swimming ability. “Research shows parents are not always the best judges of how skilled their child is in the water. That’s why revisiting swim lessons periodically is so important.”

He also cautioned against assuming that swimming skills learned in a backyard pool automatically transfer to natural bodies of water like lakes or rivers. “Currents, cold temperatures, and the absence of quick help in those environments introduce new risks,” he said. “The pool is the best place to build foundational water competency.”

Drowning Can Happen Fast—and Silently

“Most parents expect that their child would call out for help if they were in trouble, but that’s not always the case,” said Katchmarchi. “Drowning is often silent. Children can slip under the water in seconds.”

He emphasized the need for active, focused supervision and debunked the idea that a gathering of adults inherently means someone is watching the pool. “When everyone is watching, no one is watching. That’s why designating a Water Watcher is so effective.”

Organizations like the National Drowning Prevention Alliance and the Pool Safely campaign provide free Water Watcher cards that can be worn as a reminder of responsibility. “That small token can make all the difference.”

Who’s Most at Risk?

Children between ages one and four are at the highest risk of drowning, but Katchmarchi also flagged a sobering reality for children with autism. “Kids with autism are 160 times more likely to drown than their neurotypical peers. Many are drawn to water and prone to elopement.”

The good news? Swim lessons can begin as early as six months of age, and survival skills like back floating and breathing techniques can be taught to toddlers. “We’re not expecting perfect technique,” he said. “We’re teaching them to float, to breathe, to survive.”

The Problem with Assuming Knowing How To Swim is Enough

“Knowing how to swim is one critical layer of protection, but it doesn’t eliminate risk,” said Katchmarchi. He recommends a multi-layered approach that includes supervision, barriers, alarms, water competency, and emergency preparedness.

“We need to think in terms of layers, because supervision can lapse. Even skilled swimmers can panic or become fatigued. It takes a combination of safeguards to create the safest environment possible.”

Safety Starts at Home—Even if You Don’t Have Kids

The rise of pool-sharing platforms means more homeowners are renting out their pools to neighbors and guests. Even if you don’t have children yourself, you still have a responsibility to keep others safe.

“We created a rental safety checklist that applies whether you’re listing on Airbnb or just hosting friends,” said Katchmarchi. “Post your address by the pool, identify your safety equipment, and make sure guests understand your rules.”

He also recommends highlighting any hidden hazards. “Residential pools don’t always have depth markers. Make sure people know how deep the water is. Have a reaching pole or ring buoy and show people how to use them.”

Technology’s Role in Drowning Prevention

“There’s some promising innovation in AI-driven camera systems and smart alarms, but the technology is still evolving,” Katchmarchi noted. “These are high-tech tools, but they’re not a substitute for fences, supervision, and swim skills.”

In commercial settings, AI tools may assist lifeguards in identifying distress, but he warned about relying too heavily on them. “The psychology of lifeguards could change if they feel secondary to a machine. We need to train people to use these systems as supplements, not replacements.”

For residential use, many of these devices serve as smart alarms. “They can notify you that a child has entered the water, but what if you’re not home? These are great enhancements, but they’re just one part of a broader safety net.”

What Every Pool Owner Should Be Doing

One of the most overlooked pool safety risks? Not setting clear rules. “I hate to sound like the party police,” said Katchmarchi, “but people need to communicate what’s okay and what’s not. No breath-holding contests. No diving into shallow water.”

He explained that many backyard pools aren’t deep enough for diving, and even those who know how to dive safely can inadvertently influence others. “You may know how to enter the water, but does your younger cousin? Pool safety isn’t just about your skill—it’s about modeling behavior.”

The Pyramid of Pool Safety

Katchmarchi praised Pool Magazine’s Pyramid of Pool Safety infographic, which outlines layers of protection in a clear and accessible way. “We talk about layers in all types of accident prevention because we can’t rely on just one thing to work every time.”

Pool Magazine’s “Pyramid of Swimming Pool Safety” infographic lays out a tiered approach that highlights the most effective strategies for preventing drowning. Each level builds on the one below it—stacking layers of protection to reduce risk:

1. Safety Devices: The foundation of the pyramid includes life-saving tools like life rings, life jackets, reaching poles, drain covers, and alarms. These devices have been statistically shown to help lower drowning fatalities when used properly.
2. Fences & Covers: Isolation fencing and safety covers play a huge role in reducing risk. Pools with four-sided isolation fencing and ASTM-certified covers see up to an 83% reduction in childhood drownings compared to pools without these barriers.
3. Swim Lessons: Swimming competency is a major safeguard. Participation in swim lessons has been shown to reduce drowning risk by up to 88% among children aged 1 to 4. Teaching floating, safe entry/exit, and survival strokes saves lives.
4. Supervision: At the top of the pyramid is vigilant adult supervision—the most important layer. A lapse in supervision is the single leading cause of drowning fatalities among young children in swimming pools. Always designate a responsible Water Watcher and ensure someone nearby knows CPR and basic rescue techniques

The One Thing You Can Do Today

If there’s one takeaway that Katchmarchi urges every parent or pool owner to act on today, it’s this: Get your kids signed up for swim lessons.

“It’s the most effective, proven thing you can do to reduce drowning risk.”

Final Thoughts

National Pool Safety Month is more than a calendar event—it’s a call to action. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, pool owner, or professional, the steps you take now can save lives later.

“We want families to enjoy their summer and make amazing memories in and around the water,” said Katchmarchi. “But we want those memories to be safe ones.”

For more resources on drowning prevention, including free tools like Water Watcher cards and rental safety checklists, visit organizations like the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, Pool Safely, and the PHTA. In addition, feel free to download our Pyramid of Pool Safety infographic.

Because when it comes to pool safety, a few small changes can make all the difference.

Ready to take a deeper dive?

Listen to our entire conversation with Dr. Adam Katchmarchi on the Pool Magazine Podcast.