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Hayward Supports Step Into Swim - Focusing on Safe Swimming for Youth

Step Into Swim provides swimming lessons and pool access to children in underprivileged communities

Hayward strengthens its community involvement and continues ongoing research and development advancements in pool safety

Charlotte, NC (November 8, 2021) – Hayward Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HAYW) (“Hayward”), global designer, manufacturer and marketer of a broad portfolio of pool equipment and technology, today announced its platinum-level sponsorship of Step Into Swim™, a 10-year initiative organized by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance to create one million more swimmers. Hayward’s investment helps Step Into Swim advance its mission of promoting safe swimming for children in underprivileged communities by providing swimming lessons and access to pools.

Through the partnership with Step Into Swim, Hayward commits a financial donation as well as employee involvement throughout the year in the organization’s community events and initiatives. This commitment strengthens Hayward’s community involvement and builds on the company’s own research and development advancements in pool safety as well as advancements in energy efficiency, water conservation, automation and natural sanitizer options for safe, healthy water.

“We are excited to partner with the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance to advance their work with water safety and health for youth,” said Kevin Holleran, CEO of Hayward. “Our contribution demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the industry at large as we work to advocate for pool safety, healthy lifestyles, and anti-drowning initiatives.”

According to the 2021 annual drowning and submersion report released by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) drowning remains the number one cause of accidental death for children between the ages of one and four. Through Step Into Swim and the early introduction it brings to pools and pool safety, the organization aims to decrease drowning and ultimately create a healthier society due to the mental and physical health benefits of swimming.

“I cannot begin to thank our friends at Hayward enough for their generous donation to our Step Into Swim initiative,” said Rowdy Gaines, three-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Vice President of Partnerships and Development for PHTA. “Our goal is to give every child the opportunity to learn how to swim and enjoy the lifetime of benefits that the water can bring. This money will definitely save lives and create more swimmers and I am so excited about the future with our amazing partner. Thank you Hayward from the bottom of my heart.” 

To learn more about Step Into Swim, visit stepintoswim.org.

 

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About Hayward Holdings, Inc.

Hayward Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:HAYW) is a leading global designer and manufacturer of pool equipment and technology all key to the SmartPad™ conversion strategy designed to provide a superior outdoor living experience. Hayward offers a full line of innovative, energy-efficient and sustainable residential and commercial pool equipment, including a complete line of advanced pumps, filters, heaters, automatic pool cleaners, LED lighting, internet of things (IoT) enabled controls, alternate sanitizers and water features.

About Pool & Hot Tub Alliance and Step Into Swim:

The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), a non-profit organization with nearly 3,500 members from around the world, was established in 1956 to support, promote, and protect the common interests of the $36.5B pool, hot tub, and spa industry. PHTA provides education, advocacy, standards development, research, and market growth to increase our members’ professionalism, knowledge, and profitability. Additionally, PHTA facilitates the expansion of swimming, water safety and related research and outreach activities aimed at introducing more people to swimming, making swimming environments safer and keeping pools open to serve communities. For more information, visit www.phta.org.

Step Into SwimTM is an initiative of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance and its foundation committed to safe swim education and drowning prevention. By investing in the next generation of swimmers through learn-to-swim programming, the Step Into Swim initiative instills confidence, empowers long-term participation in water activities, touts the positive benefits of water play, and advocates for safe practices. Since its inception in 2012, Step Into Swim has played a role in reducing drowning fatalities and has gifted swim lessons to more than 285,000 children with support from community organizations, partners, industry advocates, members and more. For more information, visit www.stepintoswim.org.

About Florida Swimming Pool Association and Florida Swims Foundation:

Florida Swimming Pool Association, (FSPA) is a 501(c)6 that serves as the coordinating organization for 16 local Florida chapters. It provides educational programs and government and legislative representation for the swimming pool industry in Florida. FSPA is the primary sponsor of the Florida Swims Foundation (FSF), a 501c(3) that contributes to swimming safety programs and scholarships for FSPA members and families. For more information, visit www.floridapoolpro.com.

About International Swimming Hall of Fame and Every Child A Swimmer:

The International Swimming Hall of Fame is an organization organized under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRC with a primary mission to collaborate with aquatic organizations worldwide to preserve, educate and celebrate the history of aquatic sports while promoting swimming instruction for children through its Every Child A SwimmerTM program. For more information, visit https://ishof.org.

Every Child A SwimmerTM is a registered trademark of the ISHOF and represents the ISHOF founding fathers’ spiritual mission: to prevent childhood drownings and further legislative action that would encourage parents to teach their kids how to swim before they enter kindergarten. For more information, visit www.everychildaswimmer.org.

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