activities · 16
what they do
direct service · 9
- Events and ConferencesHosts 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.
- Member Resources and Communications Swim School Membership & Support ServicesProvides 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 Swim School Membership & Support ServicesThe 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 Swim Instruction & Water Safety TrainingOperates 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.
- Organizational Governance and Committee Operations Board Governance & Member VotingGoverned 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.
- Organizes educational events and conferences for membersHosts 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.
- Supports community engagement and charitable givingDonates 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.
- Supports member swim schools through operational resources and tools Swim School Membership & Support ServicesProvides 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.
- Underwater Photo Events and FundraisingOffers 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.
advocacy · 3
- Advocacy for Water Safety LegislationEngages 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 and Swim EducationThe 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.
- Conducts advocacy to advance water safety and swim education policyLeads 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.
capacity building · 4
- Capacity Building and Professional Development Professional Certification Support ProgramsThe 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.
- Facilitates professional development and training for swim instructors Swim Instruction & Water Safety TrainingOffers 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.
- Manages membership network and governance Swim School Membership & Support ServicesServes 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.
- Professional Development and Certification Swim Instruction & Water Safety TrainingOffers 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.
strategies · 10
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Advocating for Water Safety and Swim Education water_safety_educationThe organization actively advocates for comprehensive water safety education and promotes the holistic benefits of swim lessons for all ages and abilities. This includes providing expert resources, aligning with national safety plans, and addressing the specific needs of diverse populations to enhance safety, confidence, and lifelong aquatic competence.
- Advocating for Water Safety and Swim Education water_safety_advocacyThe organization actively advocates for water safety and the importance of formal swim instruction for all ages and abilities. This includes aligning with national water safety plans, providing expert resources on drowning prevention, and promoting the holistic benefits of swim lessons for physical, emotional, and developmental well-being.
- Building a Supportive Membership Network membership_networkThe organization builds and supports a network of swim schools and instructors through inclusive membership, providing resources, professional development, networking opportunities, and operational support to foster a collaborative environment and improve business operations.
- Building a Supportive Membership Network membership_networkThe organization fosters a robust network of swim schools and instructors through inclusive membership, offering professional development, networking opportunities, and operational support. This strategy aims to connect members, facilitate knowledge sharing, and enhance the collective capacity and visibility of the swim school community.
- Building a Supportive Membership Network membership_networkThe organization fosters a collaborative environment and strengthens the swim school community by building an inclusive membership network. This network provides professional development, networking opportunities, operational support, and increased visibility for swim schools, ultimately aiming for better and safer operations.
- Ethical Conduct and Quality Assurance code_of_ethics_complianceThe organization ensures high standards of safety, quality, and ethical conduct by requiring members and sponsors to adhere to a comprehensive code of ethics and by providing formal instructor training that covers safety, child development, and positive learning environments.
- Professional Standardization and Advocacy for Swim Instruction professional_standardizationThe organization encourages swim schools to participate in a national association and advocates for universal, attainable learn-to-swim standards and national certifications to ensure high-quality, systematic, and safe swim instruction across all programs and bodies of water.
- Promoting Holistic Water Safety and Swim Education water_safety_educationThe organization focuses on life-long water safety by equipping individuals of all ages with skills and knowledge for aquatic environments, emphasizing the holistic benefits of swim lessons for safety, health, confidence, and well-being, and addressing the specific needs of diverse populations, including adults and children with disabilities.
- Standardizing and Professionalizing the Swim School Industry professional_standardizationThe organization works to elevate the swim school industry by establishing and promoting professional standards, advocating for universal regulations, and providing comprehensive training and certification for instructors. This approach aims to ensure high-quality, systematic, and safe swim instruction across all programs.
- Standardizing and Professionalizing the Swim School Industry professional_standardizationThe organization works to elevate the swim school industry by establishing and promoting professional standards, advocating for universal regulations, and providing comprehensive training and certification programs for instructors. This approach aims to ensure high-quality, systematic, and safe swim instruction across all programs.
named programs · 3
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.
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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