Select SafeSplash Locations to Offer ParentTot Events, Infant CPR Awareness Sessions and Resources to Help Families Build Safer Habits Around Water

San Rafael, CA (August 31, 2026) – This September, in recognition of Baby Safety Month, SafeSplash Swim School encourages families to introduce safe water habits early through an ongoing combination of parent and caregiver preparedness, foundational skill-building and everyday safety habits that start well before a child can swim independently.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 in the U.S. The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes that swim lessons are one layer of drowning prevention, alongside close supervision, barriers to prevent unintended water access, CPR readiness, emergency preparedness and other safety practices. These statistics highlight the importance of year-round water safety practices, including active supervision, CPR preparedness and early education.

“Families often think about water safety after a child can swim independently, but prevention must start much earlier,” said Alissa Magrum, Executive Director of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance. “Efforts that help parents and caregivers understand that undistracted supervision, barriers and alarms, life jackets, CPR readiness and emergency preparedness are critical layers of protection should work alongside the process of introducing infants and toddlers to the water in a positive, age-appropriate way. ​ This comprehensive approach to water safety can help build a strong foundation for safer experiences in and around all kinds of water.”

SafeSplash’s ParentTot and Toddler Transition programs introduce babies and toddlers to water safety through age-appropriate instruction, including guided play and songs, while educating parents and caregivers on how to build safe routines and support their swimmer journey. ParentTot classes give babies and young toddlers the opportunity to build comfort with a parent or caregiver in the water, while Toddler Transition classes help young swimmers begin developing more independence with support from trained instructors.

In these early stages, lessons focus on self-rescue skills while building comfort and trust. Babies and toddlers will learn safe pool entry and exits, breath control, supported floating and more through positive water exploration. As children grow, those early experiences help prepare them for more independent swim instruction and continued skill development.

“Water safety is something families should begin thinking about from the earliest stages of childhood,” said Chris Harkness, President of SafeSplash Swim School. “Parents often think about swim lessons when their child is older, but building comfort around water, learning safety practices and understanding how to respond in an emergency are important steps that we encourage to happen much earlier. The habits families create around water today help support a lifetime of safer swimming.”

Participating SafeSplash locations nationwide will host events designed to help families learn more about early water safety. Infant CPR Night for Parents offers free or low-cost infant and child CPR instruction led by certified instructors, local EMS, fire departments or Red Cross providers, along with an overview of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance’s Five Layers of Protection. ParentTot Open Swim allows families to experience SafeSplash’s early childhood programming, meet instructors, and introduce their baby or toddler to the water.

While Baby Safety Month provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of infant and toddler water safety, SafeSplash emphasizes that drowning prevention is a year-round conversation. This initiative combines with SafeSplash’s ongoing S.A.F.E.R. Swimmer Promise, bringing lifesaving education to more kids nationwide. Through early childhood programs, parent education and community resources, SafeSplash helps families develop the knowledge and confidence needed to create safer experiences around water.

Families can find participating locations and event details at safesplash.com.

About SafeSplash Swim School

SafeSplash Swim School, a part of Youth Enrichment Brands, promotes a lifetime of water safety and opportunity by teaching the joy of swimming. With over 200 swim schools in its network, it uniquely combines learn-to-swim programs with elite competitive instruction, catering to a diverse clientele and allowing franchisees to pursue their passion. The progressive curriculum ensures swimmers learn the correct techniques from the start, fostering safe, strong, and confident individuals who will enjoy the water for years to come. By offering the industry’s most consistent and premium learn-to-swim and competitive programs, SafeSplash Swim School aims to make a lasting impact in the community through exceptional instruction in the industry’s most advanced facilities.

Landmark Aquatic is pleased to announce that three of its aquatic facility projects received 2026 PHTA Awards of Excellence from the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), one of the pool and spa industry’s premier design competitions.

• Doris Roznovak Aquatic Center, Taylor, TX — Merit Award, Commercial Aquatic Facilities
• Danville High School Natatorium Danville, IN — Merit Award, Commercial Aquatic Facilities
• Astra Tower Apartments, Salt Lake City, UT — Silver Award, Elevated Pool and Spa Structures

PHTA is the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry. Its annual International Awards of Excellence is one of the industry’s largest and most respected design competitions, recognizing the most creative and innovative pools, spas, hot tubs, and water features built each year. Hundreds of entries are submitted annually by professionals across the U.S. and around the world.

“PHTA is proud to recognize our members for their craftsmanship, inspired design, and dedication to elevating the industry,” said Sabeena Hickman, CAE, President and CEO of PHTA.

“These awards reflect what it takes to design, build, operate, and maintain a truly successful aquatic facility,” said J. Ryan Casserly, Chief Executive Officer of Landmark Aquatic. “That level of commitment shows up in the work of everyone on our team, and we’re proud to keep investing in serving our customers and the communities who enjoy these facilities.”

About Landmark
Landmark Aquatic is a nationwide provider of commercial aquatic facility design, construction, and maintenance services, with more than six decades of industry experience. Landmark supports clients across most of the U.S. through construction-led solutions and its AquatiCare maintenance program — delivering excellence “for the life of your pool” and building long-term partnerships through exceptional service and forward-thinking solutions. Learn more at www.landmarkaquatic.com

NORRISTOWN, Pennsylvania – Women in the Industry (WITI), an initiative of the Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA), is proud to host its 3rd Annual WITI Walk on Sunday, October 11, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at scenic Norristown Farm Park in Norristown, Pennsylvania.

Participants may also join virtually from anywhere in the country, allowing supporters nationwide to walk, run, or donate in support of a shared mission: ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn the life-saving skill of swimming. 

The walk benefits Every Child a Swimmer (ECAS), a national nonprofit dedicated to preventing childhood drowning by providing swim lesson scholarships to children from low-income families, promoting water safety education, and advancing legislation that expands access to drowning prevention resources. Drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages one to four, making access to swimming lessons and water safety education more important than ever.

The partnership between NESPA, WITI, and Every Child a Swimmer reflects the pool industry’s unwavering commitment to safety. While WITI exists to empower, mentor, and elevate women throughout the industry, its members also recognize the important role they play in protecting families and promoting the safe enjoyment of water. Together, these organizations help educate communities, expand access to swim lessons, and work toward a future where every child has the opportunity to learn to swim.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with Every Child a Swimmer,” said WITI leadership. “As women in the pool industry, we understand that our work extends beyond building and maintaining pools, it includes educating communities, promoting water safety, and helping save lives. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.”

Leading Every Child a Swimmer is Executive Director Casey McGovern, whose commitment to drowning prevention is deeply personal. 

After losing her 19-month-old daughter, Edna Mae (“Em”), to drowning in 2009, McGovern dedicated her life to ensuring other families never experience the same tragedy. Today, her leadership has helped grow Every Child a Swimmer into a national network of more than 430 participating swim school locations across 46 states, providing nearly $1 million annually in swim lesson scholarships for children in need. 

“Our mission is simple,” said McGovern. “Every child deserves the opportunity to learn this life-saving skill, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances. Through partnerships like WITI, we’re expanding access to swim lessons, measuring outcomes, and helping ensure more children gain the skills they need to stay safe around water.”

Participants of all ages and abilities are encouraged to register, walk, run, sponsor the event, or donate. Those unable to attend in Pennsylvania can participate virtually from anywhere in the country by walking in their own communities while supporting the cause online.

Register Today
https://nespa.users.membersuite.com/events/683a8c52-0078-ce39-202f-0b49bfa98b74/details

Event Information:
2026 WITI Walk
Sunday, October 11, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Norristown Farm Park
2500 Upper Farm Road
Norristown, PA 19403

Virtual participation is available nationwide.
Every registration, sponsorship, and donation helps provide life-saving swim lessons to children who otherwise could not afford them. Thanks to generous matching support, every dollar donated will be quadrupled, significantly increasing the impact for children and families.

About Women in the Industry (WITI)
Women in the Industry (WITI), an initiative of the Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA), is dedicated to empowering, connecting, mentoring, and supporting women throughout the pool, spa, and outdoor living industry. Through education, networking, philanthropy, and leadership opportunities, WITI fosters professional growth while giving back to communities through charitable initiatives such as the annual WITI Walk.

About the Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA)
The Northeast Spa & Pool Association (NESPA) is a regional trade association serving the pool, spa, and outdoor living industry throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. For more than 65 years, NESPA has supported its members through education, advocacy, professional development, networking, and consumer outreach while promoting the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and industry excellence.

About Every Child a Swimmer
Every Child a Swimmer is a national nonprofit dedicated to reducing childhood drowning by providing swim lesson scholarships to children from low-income families, promoting water safety education, and advocating for legislation that expands access to drowning prevention initiatives. The organization believes every child deserves the opportunity to learn the life-saving skill of swimming.

Media Contact
Phone: 609.689.9111
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.nespapool.org