Membership

Why Join United States Swim School Association?

The United States Swim School Association is a non-profit association that began in 1988 to fill a need in the swim school industry. We bring together learn to swim programs across the country and around the world. Our core purpose is to bring passionate people together to support better, safer swim schools. We focus on providing a community for swim school owners and operators, as well as business resources, best practices and industry connections. We build community through both in person events and virtual learning/sharing meetings. We offer business resources and solutions in the areas of human resources, insurance, recruitment, legal, marketing, financial planning, and operations. Our flagship Infant Toddler and Special Abilities courses offer best practices for learn to swim, in addition to conferences, workshops, webinars, an online library and quarterly magazine. When being a part of USSSA, you are a part of something bigger. We partner with aquatic leaders and non-profit organizations to elevate the industry and promote water safety. For questions, call us at 480-837-5525.

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Membership In USSSA Offers You

Community

  • Private Facebook Group
  • On Topic Sharing Solutions
  • Small Schools Virtual Brunch
  • Large Schools Huddle
  • Monthly Sharing Solutions
  • State Calls
  • Owners Circle

Business Resources Business Resources

Best Practices Best Practices

Industry Connections Industry Connections

  • Swim School Standards
  • Code of Ethics
  • Water Safety
  • Voice in the Industry
Getting The Most Out of Your Membership Flyer

Who qualifies for USSSA Membership?

A member must be either a Swim School, a business, an organization, an individual practitioner, or a former swim school owner engaged in or serving the aquatics education industry.

Membership Categories include:

  • Swim School Members (voting) A “Swim School” is defined as a for-profit business enterprise organized for the purpose of teaching swimming at any age. A Swim School Member shall be a Swim School either in the United States or Internationally.
  • Former Swim School Owners or Retired (voting) A Former Swim School Owner Member will be an individual that formerly owned a Swim School. (non-voting option available, contact the USSSA office for details)
  • International Non-Voting Members (non-voting) An International Non-Voting Member shall be a Swim School located outside of the United States that does not join under the Swim School Members class.
  • Next Gen Members (non-voting) A Next Gen Member shall be an individual looking to start or has just started a Swim School within the last 11 months. This membership class is only eligible for renewal for up to two (2) years. After two (2) years as a Next Gen Member, Next Gen Members are required to apply for membership as a Swim School Member.
  • Aquatics Education Organizations (non-voting). An Aquatics Education Organization is any organization that is not a Swim School as defined above but is organized for the purpose of teaching swimming and/or water safety at any age.

Standards for Swim School Members in the US:

  • Swim School Owner(s) are background checked
  • Background checks are performed on all staff over 18
  • At least one CPR/First Aid Certified individual is in the facility during hours of operation
  • Lifesaving equipment and first aid supplies are easily accessible and replenished as needed (equipment may include rescue tube or ring buoy; shepherd’s crook or reaching pole; spineboard; automated external defibrillator; gloves; breathing masks)
  • No more than 1 to 6 ratio for beginner or intermediate swim lessons when parent is not present in the water (recommend 1 to 4 ratio or less)
  • An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) has been developed to meet the needs of your swim school
  • Instructors receive formal training that should include first aid, proper supervision during swim lessons, bloodborne pathogens, abuse prevention, emergency action plans, reducing fear & anxiety, child development related to teaching swim and the importance of a positive learning environment
  • Provide proof of insurance for learn to swim program
  • Swim school ensures young children are allowed the security of having a parent or trusted caregiver in view of the swim lesson

New members that offer swim lessons have up to one year from joining to reach these standards. USSSA offers support and services to assist a swim school in reaching these minimum standards. Contact our office for details.

Please click the button below to calculate your membership dues.

Membership Dues Flyer

Member Release and Indemnification

A Message From Executive Director Lisa Zarda

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