E-208 Pool Nation Podcast Moving the Needle: Pool Safety, AquaStar and Every Child a Swimmer

When Industry Giants Take Action: A Partnership That Could Save Lives

In a world where drowning remains the leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1-4, the pool industry faces a sobering responsibility. But what happens when passionate industry leaders decide to move beyond mere awareness and take concrete action? This week's Pool Nation Podcast episode showcased exactly that—a powerful partnership between AquaStar Pool Products and Every Child a Swimmer that's set to make waves in drowning prevention.

Host Edgar DeJesus was joined by Casey McGovern from Every Child a Swimmer, along with Todd Pieri and Steve Barnes from AquaStar, to discuss how this collaboration came to life and what it means for the future of pool safety.

The Catalyst: From Conversation to Commitment

Sometimes the most impactful partnerships emerge from unexpected moments. The genesis of this collaboration traces back to a previous Pool Nation Podcast episode featuring Casey McGovern, which sparked something deeper than typical industry networking.

Casey was on and Todd jumped on the live and we'll share a little bit about that a little bit later. I think a lot of synergy, a lot of passion went into that to where Todd called me and said we got to do something.

— Edgar DeJesus, Pool Nation Podcast

This wasn't a calculated business decision born from boardroom meetings. Instead, it was an organic response to a critical need that demanded immediate attention. The urgency was so compelling that the Pool Nation team rearranged their entire schedule, producing their third live episode of the week—an unprecedented move that demonstrated the importance of the topic.

Beyond Check Writing: AquaStar's Revolutionary Approach

What sets this partnership apart isn't just the financial commitment—it's the comprehensive approach AquaStar has taken to support drowning prevention efforts. Todd Pieri's passion for this initiative reflects a fundamental shift in how companies can engage with social causes.

This is if you've watched us before and you know the passion that we have in our products and our pumps and our filter and our ozone, you're really going to see the passion in this one. Because this is the backbone of Aquastar right here relative to starting in the safety arena.

— Todd Pieri, AquaStar Pool Products

The partnership goes far beyond traditional corporate sponsorship. While many companies write checks and move on, AquaStar has integrated drowning prevention into their core mission, treating it as foundational to their company identity rather than a side project.

John JJ highlighted this distinction perfectly, noting how rare it is for companies to truly maximize their impact rather than simply fulfilling annual charitable obligations. AquaStar's approach involves:

• Direct partnership integration with Every Child a Swimmer
• Comprehensive program development
• Long-term commitment to safety education
• Industry-wide advocacy and awareness campaigns

Every Child a Swimmer: The Mission That Matters

Casey McGovern's Every Child a Swimmer organization represents more than just swimming lessons—it's a comprehensive approach to drowning prevention that addresses the root causes of water-related accidents. The organization's work becomes even more critical when considering the stark statistics surrounding childhood drowning.

The partnership with AquaStar amplifies Every Child a Swimmer's reach within the pool industry, creating opportunities for education at every level—from manufacturers to installers to end consumers. This multi-layered approach ensures that safety messaging reaches decision-makers throughout the entire pool ownership journey.

The synergy between every child a swimmer and what we're trying to accomplish is incredible. And we're honored to be able to partner up with every child a swimmer and help move the needle in this arena.

— Todd Pieri, AquaStar Pool Products

Industry Leadership Through Action

Steve Barnes from AquaStar emphasized the transformative potential of this partnership, particularly in its ability to create industry-wide change. When established companies take bold stands on safety issues, it creates a ripple effect that influences competitors, suppliers, and customers alike.

The timing of this initiative proves particularly significant as the pool industry continues to evolve. With increased pool ownership following recent years' trends, the responsibility for safety education has never been more critical. By positioning safety as a core business value rather than an afterthought, AquaStar is setting a new standard for industry engagement.

I think we can really help move the needle.

— Steve Barnes, AquaStar Pool Products

This approach challenges other industry players to examine their own roles in drowning prevention. When a pump manufacturer prioritizes swimming education, it raises questions about what other companies could and should be doing to address this crisis.

The Bigger Picture: Changing Industry Culture

The partnership between AquaStar and Every Child a Swimmer represents something larger than two organizations working together—it's a cultural shift toward proactive responsibility within the pool industry. This collaboration demonstrates how businesses can authentically integrate social good into their operations without compromising commercial success.

The Pool Nation Podcast team's decision to prioritize this topic, even during their busiest period, reflects a broader recognition that some conversations can't wait. As Edgar noted, this wasn't something that could be pushed off for six months—the urgency of drowning prevention demanded immediate attention and action.

This sense of urgency extends beyond podcast scheduling to fundamental business priorities. When companies like AquaStar restructure their messaging and resource allocation around safety initiatives, it signals to the entire industry that drowning prevention isn't just a charitable consideration—it's a business imperative.

Practical Implementation and Future Impact

The partnership's true test will come in its execution and measurable impact on drowning prevention. While the commitment and passion are evident, the success will ultimately be measured in lives saved and families protected through improved water safety education.

The collaboration provides a blueprint for other industry partnerships, demonstrating how complementary organizations can leverage their respective strengths. AquaStar brings industry credibility, distribution channels, and technical expertise, while Every Child a Swimmer provides specialized knowledge in safety education and community outreach.

This model could inspire similar partnerships throughout the pool industry, creating a comprehensive network of safety-focused initiatives that address different aspects of drowning prevention—from equipment safety to swimming education to emergency response training.

Moving Forward: A Call to Industry Action

As this partnership moves from announcement to implementation, it serves as both an inspiring example and a challenge to the broader pool industry. The question becomes not just what AquaStar and Every Child a Swimmer can accomplish together, but how their example might inspire others to take similarly bold action.

The Pool Nation Podcast's coverage of this partnership reflects the platform's commitment to highlighting initiatives that truly matter to industry professionals and the communities they serve. By dedicating premium time and attention to this topic, they're amplifying a message that extends far beyond typical industry discussions.

The success of this partnership could establish a new paradigm for how pool industry companies engage with safety issues, moving from passive support to active leadership in drowning prevention efforts.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Welcome
• 03:45 Partnership Origins Story
• 08:30 AquaStar's Comprehensive Approach
• 15:20 Every Child a Swimmer Mission
• 22:10 Industry Impact Discussion
• 28:45 Future Implementation Plans