Physical inactivity continues to rise, causing troubling increases in obesity and healthcare costs. This trend is not likely to change in the near term since child inactivity rates are high and large numbers of baby boomers will pass 65 years of age. As government, insurers, and the private sector encourage and incentivize individuals to stay active to improve health, activity options are limited for sedentary and older populations. Aquatic activity is an ideal option due to buoyance, cardiac benefits, and respiratory benefits leading to decreased mortality rates. Swimming is a leading “aspirational activity,” prevents drowning, and opens a range of fun aquatic activities. The Step Into Swim™ Campaign goal is to raise funds for nine exceptional organizations that are successful in teaching people become swimmers.

The Step Into Swim™ campaign is organized by the National Swimming Pool Foundation a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1965. We intend to direct donations to organizations that will be featured at the Step Into Swim Congress on October 10, 2012, at the Nauticus Museum in Norfolk, Virginia.