The Make a Splash campaign is a major public service initiative of USA Swimming. The campaign is aimed at decreasing the number of drowning accidents in the U.S., fostering greater diversity in the sport and encouraging people of all ages to embrace swimming as a direct route to a healthier lifestyle.

Nine people drown in the U.S. every day, and drowning is a leading cause of injury-related death for American children. African-American children are considered especially at risk, as they experience drowning rates that are nearly triple the national average (CDC 2003). USA Swimming believes that the only effective way to reduce drownings is by ensuring that all children learn to swim.

In addition, the Make a Splash campaign will promote swimming as a healthy activity that can increase fitness and thereby reduce the risk of more than 30 obesity-related illnesses. Today’s children are the most inactive in history, and as a result, 1-in-3 children world-wide are at risk for obesity-related illnesses. (American Obesity Association, CDC)

“The Make a Splash campaign has identified some very curable epidemics in our society, in drowning and a lack of physical fitness,” said Chuck Wielgus, USA Swimming’s executive director. “To me, the most exciting aspect of this campaign is that we are taking on a major effort to use our sport to help improve the quality of people’s lives and to help make communities better. In doing this, we are also going to ensure that the sport of swimming becomes increasingly relevant in American society.”

The comprehensive program includes the announcement of a national spokesperson, awareness-raising promotions surrounding a major motion picture, a retail partnership, an in-school education program, and the opportunity to sponsor swim lessons for at-risk children. The campaign’s elements are detailed in the following pages.

Make a Splash Campaign From USA Swimming

A Variety Of Make A Splash Programs To Decrease Drownings, Increase Diversity, And Encourage Healthier Lifestyles

Ten Ways To Get Involved With The USA Swimming Make A Splash Campaign

Drowning Statistics

About USA Swimming: USA Swimming is the National Governing Body for the sport of swimming in the United States. As such, USA Swimming is the official representative to the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and to the Federation Internationale de Natation or FINA. In this role, USA Swimming is responsible for organizing and training the U.S. Swim Team for international competition including the FINA World Championships and the Olympic Games. The USA Swimming national headquarters is located at the United States Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo.

About the USA Swimming Foundation: Established in 2004, The USA Swimming Foundation uses the sport of swimming to save lives and improve communities. Focusing its resources on issues like drowning prevention, the youth obesity epidemic and promoting diversity within the sport, the Foundation also seeks to grow the sport so that future generations can benefit from all that competitive swimming has to offer. Based in Colorado Springs, Colo., the Foundation is governed by an independent board of directors and is led by three-time Olympic gold medalist Rowdy Gaines.