2022 Make A Splash Tour to Bring Olympians to Three Cities in May
The 2022 Make a Splash Tour, presented by Phillips 66, on Thursday announced stops in three cities this spring.
The tour will visit Philadelphia, Pa., on May 9 and 10; Borger, Texas, on May 18; and Rodeo, Calif., on May 23. The first in-person tour since 2019 aims to raise awareness about learn-to-swim programs. It will bring USA Swimming Foundation Ambassadors Rowdy Gaines, Cullen Jones, Missy Franklin, Elizabeth Beisel and Nathan Adrian to speak to groups.
“I am always thrilled to be a part of the Make a Splash Tour, but this year more than ever,” Beisel, a two-time Olympic medalist, said in a press release. “We are finally returning to in-person tour stops and will be face to face with the children of our communities, teaching them valuable lessons and lifesaving skills that come along with swimming. To have the opportunity to give back to the sport that means everything to me gives me immense purpose in life and I am beyond happy to be a small part of this amazing tour where we will change lives and impact communities.”
“It’s not too late but make the choice today!,” added Jones, the four-time Olympic medalist. “Helping others learn the importance of swim lessons is one of my life’s missions. Nearly drowning myself, I understand how intimidating the water can be, but it doesn’t have to be. That’s why I’m excited to be back on the road with the Make A Splash Tour – back in person, showing, teaching and sharing not only the importance of swimming, but that swimming is for everyone.”
The 2022 Make a Splash Tour is the latest in a series of efforts from the USA Swimming Foundation and funded by Phillips 66. The tour, “traditionally takes place every spring, bringing USA Swimming Foundation ambassadors and Olympic medalists to cities across the country to educate children, parents, communities and civic leaders on the importance of learning to swim.”
The campaign has gone virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic, but that only magnifies the importance of learn-to-swim education, with more unprepared young swimmers putting themselves in danger or swimming in uncontrolled environments as access to pools has been cut off.
Up to 3,500 people drown each year in the United States, a quarter of them under the age of 14. Drowning is one of the leading causes of preventable death among children, and access to water safety instruction is in short supply in many ethnically diverse and urban areas, where the drowning rate can be up to three times the national average. Swimming lessons can decrease the drowning risk by up to 88 percent.
“Safety is at the center of Phillips 66’s operations and culture,” said Claudia Kreisle, Phillips 66’s Director of Social Impact. “We recognize the importance of this critical, life-saving skill and are committed to working with the USA Swimming Foundation to raise awareness around water safety and teach children to swim.”
The USA Swimming Foundation has worked to increase the net of swimming lessons beyond young children to youth and adults. Having a parent that knows how to swim greatly increases a child’s chance of learning.
“Learning to swim is a life-saving skill, and we are so appreciative of Phillips 66’s continued support to increase water safety awareness in communities across the country,” USA Swimming Chief Administrative Officer and Executive Director of the USA Swimming Foundation Lucinda McRoberts said. “The USA Swimming Foundation Ambassadors are excited to visit pools and help teach children and adults how to be safer in and around the water.”
Information on the 2022 Make a Splash Tour and resources for swimming education are available here.