The Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA) has announced its support for the Safe Water Instruction for Minors (SWIM) Act, a new initiative that would impact state legislation and allow families to use their employer-provided FSA or HSA account for swim lessons as a qualified medical expense.

The SWIM Act was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Rep. W. Gregory Steube (R-FL-17) as HR 9298. The bill is a milestone that both recognizes the importance of swim lessons in light of the increasing number of childhood drownings and prioritizes access to these lessons through family-friendly means. The SWIM Act will add swim lessons to the list of reimbursable expenses and use tax-free funds to prevent drowning accidents.

“The SWIM Act is a huge step forward. It will be a game changer for millions of Americans when families can use HSA/FSA funds for life-saving swim lessons,” said Dallas Thiesen, FSPA’s chief government relations officer. “Family budgets are tight right now, so allowing Americans to use their tax-free HSA or FSA accounts, which are often employer-sponsored, will help ensure swim lessons always stay in the budget.”

FSPA was a key advocate in the passage of this legislation and continues to work closely with the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) to advance the law’s publicity and passage.

“The SWIM Act is a critical building block in solving the problem of access to swim lessons, not only in the state of Florida, but across the country,” said Elizabeth McMurray, CEO of FSPA. “We are proud to partner with PHTA to support Rep. Steube’s efforts to improve the SWIM Act and ensure that families across the U.S. have the financial means to access water safety and education resources, especially swim lessons.”

In 2024, the National Drowning Prevention Alliance released some frightening statistics related to drowning accidents:
• 88% of children drown in the presence of at least one adult
• No. 1 cause of death in children aged 1–4 years
• #2 cause of unintentional injuries/deaths in children ages 5-18

FSPA has long been interested in and supports water safety issues. The association will continue to be a strong advocate for water safety and looks forward to supporting Rep. Steube in passing this legislation through its resources and community focus.

For more information about FSPA, visit FSPA.com.

***

About the Florida Swimming Pool Association:
The Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA) is the leading industry organization dedicated to advancing the pool industry in Florida. The FSPA has approximately 750 members in 16 regional offices nationwide. The FSPA provides educational programs, industry representation, and community involvement opportunities. FSPA members are bound by a code of conduct that requires them to maintain high standards of professionalism and service within the pool community.