The Pool and Hot Tub Alliance is leading efforts to gather industry support for the SWIM Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation that can save lives by making basic swimming lessons an eligible expense under Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
PHTA invites you to join fellow members and other related organizations by signing PHTA’s letter of support to Congress.
Swimming lessons have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of drowning, particularly among young children. According to a study published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, participation in formal swimming lessons was associated with an 88-percent reduction in the risk of drowning for children aged 1 to 4. This compelling statistic underscores the importance of initiatives like the proposed SWIM Act.
Importance of Swimming Skills
Drowning remains a significant public health concern in the United States, with approximately 4,000 fatal and 8,000 nonfatal drownings occurring annually. It is the leading cause of accidental death for children aged 1 to 4, highlighting the critical need for effective prevention strategies. Basic water competency swim lessons typically cover essential skills such as water familiarization, floating techniques, breath control, resurfacing skills, safe water entry and exit, basic propulsion, and water safety awareness.
SWIM Act and Health Initiatives
The SWIM Act aligns swimming lessons with other health-related expenses currently covered by HSAs and FSAs, such as lead-based paint removal, smoking cessation programs, and medications. In 2023, approximately $123 billion was saved in more than 37 million HSAs, while $3.28 billion was contributed to 2.4 million FSAs in 2021.
The SWIM Act limits FSA and HSA use to basic water safety and swimming instruction, capping the allowed amount at $500 per taxpayer ($1,000 for joint returns or heads of household), including up to $100 for necessary equipment. This onetime expense for most families can significantly reduce the financial burden of accessing these lifesaving skills, potentially preventing thousands of drowning incidents annually. Economic and Public Health Benefits
Implementing the SWIM Act could lead to substantial economic and public health benefits.
By allowing families to use pretax dollars for swimming lessons, the SWIM Act has the potential to:
• Reduce the burden on public healthcare systems through fewer drowning-related hospitalizations.
• Decrease medical costs associated with drowning incidents.
• Save thousands of lives annually by making swimming lessons more accessible.
• Provide a one-time investment in life-saving skills, as most individuals only need to take basic swim lessons once.
• Enhance water safety awareness and competency across communities.
These benefits align with existing health initiatives covered by HSAs and FSAs, reinforcing the SWIM Act's potential to significantly impact public health and safety.
If you would like to support the SWIM Act you can begin by urging members of Congress to pass this legislation.
