There are more than 18 million swimming pools and hot tubs in the USA. Yet, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than a third of American adults cannot swim the length of a pool. Every day, about 10 people die from drowning, the majority of them adults. The CDC identifies a variety of factors that can influence drowning risk, including the lack of swimming ability. Research also shows that the children of adults who don’t know how to swim are at a greater risk of not learning to swim, which increases their risk of drowning.

The purpose of the USMS Swimming Saves Lives Foundation is to raise public awareness about the problem of adult drowning, and to serve as a financial and educational resource for programs that provide adult learn-to-swim lessons. Since 2012, SSLF has awarded $430,000 in grants to programs that are providing adult learn-to-swim opportunities. Thousands of adults across the country have benefited from lessons taught by our program partners, thanks to the generous contributions from USMS members and other supporters.

USMS also accepts planned giving and bequests. If you’d like to discuss opportunities to contribute to the USMS Swimming Saves Lives Foundation, please contact the USMS National Office at 941-256-8767 or via email. You can also make an online donation. Please read our gift acceptance policy.

The USMS Swimming Saves Lives Foundation is proud to support 52 adult learn-to-swim programs in 2018. Congratulations to these grant recipients. We're excited to help you make more adults in your communities safer around water.

Find a USMS Swimming Saves Lives Foundation program near you  

 

How to apply for a grant

Want to apply for an SSLF grant? The application window is open for 2021 from January 1 through February 28, and you can apply here (link will become available during grant window). If you have questions about the application or grant process or would like to be alerted when the application window opens, please contact sslf@usmastersswimming.org. Tips for submitting a strong application can be found here.

U.S. Masters Swimming is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions to the USMS Swimming Saves Lives Foundation are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. U.S. Masters Swimming’s tax identification number is 31-0999051. You can find out more about us on guidestar.org under United States Masters Swimming, Inc. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. 1- 800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) OR www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE." FLORIDA REGISTRATION CH33301