USA Triathlon (USAT) and the USA Swimming Foundation have renewed a partnership that brings greater awareness to water safety and learn-to-swim programs through the USAT Splash & Dash Youth Aquathlon Series.
Expanding on a relationship established in 2014, USA Triathlon will incorporate the USA Swimming Foundation’s Make a Splash initiative into nearly 50 swim-run events across the United States that comprise the fourth annual Splash & Dash Youth Aquathlon Series.
As a member of the USA Swimming Foundation Affiliate Coalition, USA Triathlon will ensure that participants in the series will receive age-appropriate water safety and learn-to-swim resources, helping to develop skills in all bodies of water to prepare participants for all potential triathlon environments.
The USA Swimming Foundation’s Affiliate Coalition is a strategic network comprised of national community-based organizations and non-profits who share the common goal of promoting the importance of learning to swim and water safety.
“We believe multisport is accessible to everyone with the appropriate training, and this partnership with the USA Swimming Foundation allows us to share necessary resources with those looking to get started in the sport,” said Rob Urbach, USA Triathlon CEO.
“By educating our youth members on the importance of water safety with help from the USA Swimming Foundation, we are helping children realize their potential in the sport at an early age.”
“Learning to swim is a critical life-saving skill and also the foundation for anyone to enjoy any aquatic sport for life,” said Debbie Hesse, USA Swimming Foundation Executive Director. “Informing thousands of children and families through USA Triathlon’s Splash & Dash Aquathlon events is an important step within USA Swimming Foundation’s mission of drowning prevention.”
The USA Triathlon Splash & Dash Youth Aquathlon Series runs from March through November 2015. Open to young athletes between the ages of 7-15, the series focuses on participation and having fun rather than competition, and many of the events are not timed. Race directors of series events will also serve as local ‘Make a Splash partners’ and assist USA Triathlon with the promotion of learn-to-swim programming.
www.usatriathlon.org/splashanddash
