AOAP and SWBP recently announced their partnership with the goal to support and advance each other’s mutual mission to increase water safety and prevent drownings.
Both organizations are domestic 501(c)3 Non-Profit Corporations and are run by an all-volunteer Board of Directors and a full-time Executive Director.
AOAP exclusively promotes and advocates policies, practices and procedures that contribute to safer and improved aquatic education, aquatic recreation activities, programs, and facilities; provides and supports quality aquatic education opportunities; coordinates and conducts research in the field of aquatic management and safety; promotes coordination and cooperation between established aquatic associations responsible for all aspects of aquatic programming, aquatic management, aquatic operation and maintenance and aquatic facility design. As well as providing and annual conference and educational workshops for communities on drowning prevention and education. A portion of all proceeds will be used towards drowning prevention, i.e. for Learn to Swim Program Lessons and Grants for Life Jackets.
General Statement of Vision: The AOAP will be the leading organization representing aquatic professionals in advocacy, education, research, and professional collaboration.
SWBP focuses its efforts on preventing shallow water blackouts (AKA underwater blackout or faint), which result in drowning or sudden death. The organization advocates for the cessation of hypoxic training, no prolonged breath-holding, never swimming alone, never hyperventilating prior to swimming, never playing breath-holding games, and adequate and intermittent rest while training or swimming recreationally. SWBP enlists the aid of volunteer “Ambassadors” and establishing volunteer Chapters, both nationally and internationally, to educate and raise awareness about the causes and prevention of shallow water blackouts within their respective communities. Additionally, the organization presents and exhibits at aquatic-related conferences, YMCA’s, PTO’s, secondary schools, service club organizations, summer camps and parks where swimming is available, and water safety workshops. With its outreach programs, a universally recognized website, and the distribution of free information SWBP is a leader in raising awareness in order to prevent shallow water blackouts.
General Statement of Vision: SWBP will be the driving force behind a universal understanding and acceptance of what causes and how to prevent shallow water blackouts and ultimately bring an end to such needless and preventable tragedies.