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UNITED STATES SWIM SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
Cave Creek, AZ · EIN 470914662 · Form 990 · FY2022 · NTEE S41 · Community Improvement · Small ($100K-$1M) · www.usswimschools.org
revenue
$774K
expenses
$767K
net assets
$674K
employees
6
volunteers
45
program ratio
67%
mission · from form 990

Lifelong safety, health and enjoyment of the water for all through quality aquatic education.

profile · synthesized from sources

The United States Swim School Association (USSSA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting water safety and swim education. It serves over 1,250 swim schools across the United States and internationally, providing resources, advocacy, and professional development to enhance swim instruction. Founded over 35 years ago, USSSA focuses on equipping individuals of all ages with essential aquatic skills.

irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2022

what they reported doing

Program narrative the organization filed with the IRS. Ordered by program spending.

  1. #1 primary $79K
    Workshops - Where swim school owners, teacher and managers gather for dynamic speakers, educational seminares and networking to get inspired and supercharged for the busy summer months ahead. The 2022 workshop had 130 attendees, over 2 days with pre workshops and 17 sessions.
  2. #2 $140K
    Certification and Education programs - Certification: Establishing a Fundamental Swim Instructor Certification program. Infant Toddler: Trains swim instructors to better teach infants and toddlers how to swim. Special Abilities: Trains swim instructors to better teach children with special needs how to swim. Available as a one day workshop or taught in the school with our On The Go program. It is a pre-requisite online course. Online education: Catalog of courses with a variety of business, education and swim instruction topics.
named programs · 3 · from sources

what they call their work

Advocacy Initiatives
Engages in advocacy efforts to promote swim education and safety at local and national levels.
Every Child a Swimmer
A program aimed at increasing access to swimming lessons and promoting water safety legislation across states.
Professional Development Workshops
Offers training materials, workshops, and conferences for swim school owners and instructors to enhance their skills and knowledge.
activities · 5 groups

what they do

  • Swim School Membership & Support Services 8 activities
    • Manages membership network and governance
      Serves over 1,250 member swim schools across the U.S. and globally, providing membership benefits and governance through an elected Board of Directors and structured committees focused on certification, membership engagement, sponsorship, and executive oversight.
    • Member Resources and Communications
      Provides members with access to features and resources through a dedicated mobile application. The organization also publishes a fully digital quarterly magazine, a monthly e-newsletter for swim school owners, and a quarterly publication for instructors distributed to over 1,250 locations.
    • Member Services and Support
      The organization provides a range of services and resources to its network of over 1,250 member swim schools, including a dedicated mobile application, quarterly magazines, monthly e-newsletters, and access to various programs and events.
    • Member Services and Support
      The organization provides a range of services and resources to its network of over 1,250 member swim schools, including a dedicated mobile application, quarterly magazines, monthly e-newsletters, and access to various programs and events.
    • Member Swim School Network and Support
      Operates as the largest swim school association in the United States, serving a network of over 1,250 member swim schools globally that collectively teach over 18 million swim lessons per year and employ over 40,000 individuals. The organization provides membership opportunities and resources to these schools.
    • Membership Services and Support
      The organization provides membership opportunities and a range of services to over 1,250 swim schools globally, which collectively teach over 18 million swim lessons annually. These services include access to a mobile application with features and resources, a dedicated Facebook Executive Group, vendor savings programs, and various communication channels like a quarterly magazine and monthly e-newsletters.
    • Membership Services and Support
      The organization provides membership opportunities and a range of services to over 1,250 swim schools globally, which collectively teach over 18 million swim lessons annually. These services include access to a mobile application with features and resources, a dedicated Facebook Executive Group, vendor savings programs, and various communication channels like a quarterly magazine and monthly e-newsletters.
    • Supports member swim schools through operational resources and tools
      Provides member swim schools with access to a dedicated mobile application, digital publications (including a quarterly magazine and monthly e-newsletter), and operational features such as Underwater Photo Events and Content Shoots to generate marketing content and customer keepsakes.
  • Committee & Forum Management 2 activities
    • Certification and Standards Management
      The organization sets and maintains certification standards for swim schools and instructors, overseeing assessments and certification decisions to ensure program quality and integrity through its Certification Committee.
    • Organizational Governance and Committee Oversight
      The organization is governed by a Board of Directors and operates through various committees, including the Executive Committee, Certification Committee, Membership Connections Committee, Government & Industry Affairs Committee, Nominating Committee, Spring Workshop Committee, National Conference Committee, and Sponsorship Development Committee, to guide programs, strengthen community, and ensure operational integrity.
  • Professional Association Conferences & Events 2 activities
    • Event Hosting and Management
      The organization plans and hosts various events for its members, including conferences, a "State of the Association Town Hall," and spring workshops. It also organizes Underwater Photo Events and Content Shoots for swim schools to provide keepsakes and marketing content.
    • Organizes educational events and conferences for members
      Hosts recurring events including the "State of the Association Town Hall," Marketing Virtual Seminars, and national conferences, supported by volunteer committees that coordinate speakers, schedules, and event logistics.
  • Drowning Prevention & Water Safety Education 1 activity
    • Supports community engagement and charitable giving
      Donates 3% of all Photo Day session fees to the Hope Floats Foundation and strengthens community partnerships by increasing awareness of early swim lessons among allied organizations.
  • Uncategorized 16 activities
    • Advocacy for Water Safety Legislation
      Engages in legislative advocacy efforts at state and national levels, publishing advocacy updates and supporting bills like H.R. 1506 (SWIM Act) to make swimming lessons reimbursable. The organization has contributed to passing water safety legislation in Arizona, New Mexico, and New York, and is involved in efforts for Florida bills mandating water safety education in schools.
    • Advocacy for Water Safety Legislation
      The organization actively engages in legislative advocacy at state and national levels to promote water safety, including supporting bills like the Safe Water Instruction for Minors (SWIM) Act, contributing to water safety legislation in Arizona, New Mexico, New York, and Florida, and publishing advocacy updates.
    • Advocacy for Water Safety and Swim Education
      The organization engages in legislative advocacy at state and national levels to promote water safety and access to swimming lessons. This includes supporting bills like the Safe Water Instruction for Minors (SWIM) Act, contributing to the passage of water safety legislation in states like Arizona and New Mexico, and advocating for water safety education in schools and hospitals.
    • Advocacy for Water Safety and Swim Education
      The organization actively engages in legislative advocacy at state and national levels to promote water safety and access to swimming education. This includes supporting bills like the Safe Water Instruction for Minors (SWIM) Act, contributing to the passage of water safety legislation in states like Arizona and New Mexico, and advocating for water safety education in schools and hospitals.
    • Advocacy for Water Safety and Swim Education
      The organization actively engages in legislative advocacy at state and national levels to promote water safety and access to swimming lessons, including supporting bills like the SWIM Act and contributing to legislation requiring water safety education.
    • Capacity Building and Professional Development
      The organization offers various capacity-building initiatives for its members, including CFSI Certification, online courses, a mentorship program, marketing seminars, and new course offerings to enhance professional skills and business strategies.
    • Capacity Building and Professional Development
      The organization offers various capacity-building initiatives for its members, including CFSI Certification, five flagship online courses, a mentorship program, new courses, and virtual seminars. It also provides guidance on certification standards, governance, and leadership development through its committees.
    • Capacity Building and Professional Development
      The organization offers various capacity-building initiatives for its members, including CFSI Certification, five flagship online courses, a mentorship program, new courses, and virtual seminars. It also provides training teams for specific instruction areas like baby swim and supports leadership development through its Nominating Committee.
    • Capacity Building and Professional Development
      The organization offers various capacity-building initiatives for its members, including CFSI Certification, online courses, a mentorship program, marketing seminars, and new course offerings to enhance professional skills and business strategies.
    • Conducts advocacy to advance water safety and swim education policy
      Leads state and national advocacy efforts, including supporting the SWIM Act (H.R. 1506), contributing to water safety legislation in Arizona, New Mexico, New York, and Florida, and publishing regular advocacy updates through dedicated committee leadership.
    • Event and Conference Organization
      The organization plans and hosts various events for its members, including conferences, a "State of the Association Town Hall," and spring workshops, with committees dedicated to supporting these events through speaker recommendations and volunteer coordination.
    • Events and Conferences
      Hosts a "State of the Association Town Hall," organizes Marketing Virtual Seminars, and plans conferences. Various committees recommend volunteer speakers and provide feedback on schedules for Spring Workshops and the National Conference.
    • Facilitates professional development and training for swim instructors
      Offers flagship online courses, CFSI Certification, instructor training programs (including Baby Swim Instructor Training), and a mentorship program to support high-quality swim instruction and professional growth within member schools.
    • Organizational Governance and Committee Operations
      Governed by a Board of Directors and supported by various committees that guide programs, strengthen community, and support the growth and success of swim schools. These committees include Certification, Membership Connections, Government & Industry Affairs, Nominating, Spring Workshop, National Conference, Executive, and Sponsorship Development.
    • Professional Development and Certification
      Offers a range of capacity-building resources to members, including CFSI Certification, five flagship online courses, new courses, a mentorship program, and a Facebook Executive Group. The organization also delivers high-quality instruction and ensures consistency with curriculum and standards through its Baby Swim Instructor Training Team.
    • Underwater Photo Events and Fundraising
      Offers Underwater Photo Events and Content Shoots to swim schools for customer keepsakes and marketing content, donating 3% of all Photo Day session fees to the Hope Floats Foundation.
financials · form 990 · fy2022
revenue
Total revenue$774K
Contributions & grants$248K32%
Program service revenue$445K57%
Investment income$12K2%
Other revenue$69K
expenses
Total expenses$767K
Program expenses67%
Admin / overhead27%
Fundraising5%
Salaries & benefits$291K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$745K
Cash$240K
Investments$504K
Liabilities$71K
Net assets$674K
Liquid reserves11.6 mo
3 years on record · 2020–2022 · YoY revenue +49.6%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2022

who runs it

paid leadership · 1
NameTitleHours/wkCompensation
Lisa M Zarda Secretary/Executive Director 45 $136K
board members · 7
  • Ann Marie Sunderhaus — Director
  • Buffy Folise — Vice President
  • David Gorman — Treasurer
  • Davina Lopez — Director
  • Debbie Sayers — Director
  • Melissa Taylor — Director
  • Tracy Koleber — President
relationships · 31

who they work with

  • 12News Partner — Lisa Zarda, Executive Director, spoke with 12News about choosing the right swim program for children and water safety.
  • 3rd Level Consulting Funder — Supporter Sponsor, provides business solutions for the swim school industry.
  • American Red Cross Partner — Recognizes American Red Cross WSI™ as an approved national certification option for swim instructors.
  • America’s Kids, Inc. Partner — Lori Klatt, Director of the Association, is associated with America’s Kids, Inc.
  • Aquafinity Funder — Supporter Sponsor, offers aquatic products and services.
  • Bitty Bubbles Swim School Partner — Brittany Moog, Director of the Association, is associated with Bitty Bubbles Swim School.
  • Blue Buoy Family Swim School Partner — Member swim school featured on Bloomberg TV's "World's Greatest TV Show"
  • British Swim School Partner — Melissa McGarvey, Director of the Association, is associated with British Swim School.
  • CareerPlug Funder — Champion Sponsor, offers HR tools for hiring and retaining teams.
  • CareerPlug Partner — Offers a vendor savings program to members.
  • Constant Contact Partner — Offers a vendor savings program to members.
  • DolFUN SWIM Academy Partner — Debbie Sayers, Treasurer of the Association, is associated with DolFUN SWIM Academy.
  • Education for All Squid School Partner — Co-founded by Tammy Yttrie, who is a member of USSSA since 2016.
  • FINIS Funder — Supporter Sponsor, creates swim products for young swimmers.
  • Hope Floats Foundation Partner — Beneficiary partner, receiving 3% of Photo Day session fees.
  • ISHOF Partner — ISHOF's Every Child a Swimmer team recognized Lisa Zarda for her impact on water safety.
  • Jackrabbit Swim Funder — Champion Sponsor, provides software solutions for swim schools.
  • Leaps & Bounds Partner — Leaps & Bounds became more aware of the importance of early swim lessons for kids through involvement with USSSA.
  • Leaps & Bounds Partner — Owned by Michelle Lavergne, a multi-sport facility focused on children's development through sports and swimming.
  • LinkedIn Partner — Platform for professional networking and outreach
  • National Water Safety Action Plan Partner — Aligns its legislative recommendations with the National Water Safety Action Plan.
  • Ocaquatics Swim School Partner — Featured in USSSA's Ready, Set, Swim Magazine for their culture-building approach.
  • Splash About Funder — Champion Sponsor, provider of swimwear and water safety products.
  • Starfish Aquatics Institute Partner — Recognizes Starfish Aquatics Institute Water Safety Educator/Swim Instructor as an approved national certification option for swim instructors.
  • Starfish Aquatics Institute (SAI) Funder — Champion Sponsor, global leader in aquatic safety training and certification.
  • Swim Consultant Funder — Supporter Sponsor, provides business solutions for the swim school industry.
  • SwimAmerica – Davis Partner — Rose Cholewinski, President of the Association, is associated with SwimAmerica – Davis.
  • Watermelon Swim Partner — Micha Seal, Vice President of the Association, is associated with Watermelon Swim.
  • Wendy’s Waves Swim School Partner — Founded by Wendy Gibson, who shared her experience as a swim school business owner.
  • YMCA Partner — Recognizes YMCA Swim Instructor Training Program as an approved national certification option for swim instructors.
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