United States Swim School Association Announces Award Recipients and New Elected Officials

Photo Courtesy: Annie Grevers

United States Swim School Association Honors Member Margee Charron with the Guiding Light Award

Photo Courtesy:USSSA

The United States Swim School Association (USSSA) recently honored Margee Charron, owner of Bubbles to Butterfly Swim School in Baltic, CT, with the Association’s Guiding Light Award, at the USSSA 2017 National Conference. The Guiding Light is an annual award given by the USSSA Board of Directors to someone who made a particularly outstanding contribution to the organization. It seeks to honor individuals who have provided exceptional service to the US Swim School Association and other members of the US Swim School Association. The Guiding Light recipient demonstrates a generous commitment to teaching, helping, sharing and otherwise serving the Association and/or its members.

Margee started her swim school in June of 1997 in her backyard in Southeastern Connecticut. Since that time, she has grown into three locations; two hotels and a campground. Here schools now teach thousands of students of all ages how to swim better and safely.

Margee is a long-time member who has faithfully attended USSSA conferences for a number of years. She has served on numerous committees for USSSA, including the PR committee where she worked tirelessly to create the newsletter for the association. She is the original Chair for the Small Swim School Committee and still chairs this committee today. She helped organize conferences years ago when it was a grass roots effort. Described by members of this association as a worker bee. She is one of the first to introduce herself to new members. Her efforts have also extended out beyond USSSA as she also served on Safer Three Board of Directors.

“Margee has contributed a great deal of time and effort to the US Swim School Association,” said USSSA Executive Director Lisa Zarda. “She has helped make the Association what it is today spending countless hours writing and producing newsletters to planning conferences, all of which offers our members the opportunity to improve their schools. We congratulate Margee on this well-deserved recognition.”

Dedicated Learn-to-Swim Industry Global Leader Named to United States Swim School Association Hall of Fame

Photo Courtesy: USSSA

Dedication is defined as a self-sacrificing devotion and loyalty. For Ross Gage his involvement in the learn-to-swim industry has been just that. And because of his global commitment and dedication, he was recently honored by the United States Swim School Association at its 29th annual National Conference as the most recent inductee into the USSSA Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame award seeks to honor individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the teaching and learning of swimming. Reserved for those who have demonstrated 20 years or more of commitment, the recipient has developed expertise that is fame – worthy – e.g. recognized and appreciated within the swimming community and public at large.

The Hall of Fame recipient demonstrates a lifelong passion and devotion to the teaching and learning of swimming and has exercised his or her expertise for the advancement of children, safety, learning to swim, and the lifelong benefits and joys of swimming. This year’s recipient meets all these criteria with a dedication to the learn to swim industry across the globe.

Over the years, Ross has evolved from a successful swimming teacher and coach, into an industry consultant, a swim journal co-editor, a swim center manager/swim school owner, to the CEO of the Australian Swim School Association and secretary of the International Swim School Association. He has received the “Meritorious Service to the Teaching of Swimming in Australia” in 1997, the “Outstanding Contribution to the Teaching of Swimming in Australia” in 2005 and the Safer 3 Foundation’s (now Stop Drowning Now) Outstanding Service Medal in 2013, just to name just a few of his awards.

“Ross has dedicated himself to the advancement of the learn-to-swim industry across the globe” said USSSA Executive Director Lisa Zarda. “He is not only a leader within the industry but a good friend to many around the world. With a focus on promoting water safety and education, Ross has indirectly helped save thousands of lives. We are honored to induct Ross into the Association’s Hall of Fame.”

Kelly Gaines Honored with United States Swim School Association Humanitarian Award

Photo Courtesy: USSSA

The United States Swim School Association recently honored Kelly Gaines owner of Charlotte Aquatics in Charlotte, NC for her philanthropic work in the local community and internationally. The Humanitarian award, established in 2007, is given only periodically and seeks to recognize members of the US Swim School Association who have provided outstanding service to others, demonstrating empathy, selflessness and commitment. The Humanitarian Award seeks to encourage good works among the members of the US Swim School Association, particularly good works that impact children, learning to swim, safety, community, and families.

Kelly has dedicated her life to just that. She has conducted Water Safety Story Time for thousands of students across the Charlotte area, served as the International Chair Person for local Rotary club, created and conducted leadership seminars at the Charlotte Culinary School which aims to help provide skills to chronically homeless individuals, organized and facilitated the Giving Tree for over ten years which provides holiday gifts to low-income individuals, is a member of the Safe Kids Charlotte Mecklenburg Coalition – a group that provides leadership to Mecklenburg County in an effort to reduce unintentional childhood injury and is a Big Sister in The Big Brothers / Big Sisters Organization. But that is not all, she is founding member and Executive Director of non-profit TanzaCare who’s mission is to provide schools in rural Tanzania with the essentials needed for a quality education. This organization under her leadership has helped thousands of children in rural Africa through secondary school sponsorships, hiring locals to help build multiple school grounds, raising money and awareness to create a water source for the entire village and so much more.

“Kelly has dedicated her life to making amazing contributions to both her local community and abroad. She is making a difference in the lives of children and families with her dedication and service.” said USSSA Executive Director Lisa Zarda. “Her involvement in charity work is truly commendable and we are honored to recognize her with our Humanitarian Award.”

Learn to Swim Icons Presented with First Ever United States Swim School Association Lifetime Achievement Award

Photo Courtesy: USSSA

For some people, swimming is something done a few times a year to cool off during hot summer months but for Bob and Kathy Hubbard it has been a lifelong dedication. A dedication they were recently honored for by the United States Swim School Association at its 29th annual National Conference with the first ever Lifetime Achievement Award.

The USSSA Lifetime Achievement Award was created to honor and recognize those that have dedicated their lives to the learn-to-swim industry, giving of their time and talents to develop strong swim schools and help save lives. This honor was created, and the recipients selected, by the Board of Directors.

Photo Courtesy: USSSA

Bob & Kathy Hubbard, founders of Hubbard Family Swim School (HFSS), opened their first school in 1998 after years of running swim programs and summer sports camp at the Phoenix Swim Club. Bob grew up in New York and developed his passion for swimming while working as a beach lifeguard. Kathy developed her passion for swimming in a competitive environment, qualifying for the 1968 Olympic Trials and swimming competitively through college.

Kathy served as chairman of the USSSA Infant Toddler Committee for 10 years working to develop a robust training program for infant swimming instructors. Bob has been involved with USSSA since 1998, as a board member including holding the office of president. Both Bob and Kathy are presenters of the USSSA Infant Toddler Instructor course in addition to conducting other sessions at various USSSA conferences.

They are three-time keynote speakers at the Australian Swim Coaches & Teachers Assn., have addressed the World Aquatic Baby Conference in Malmo, Sweden & Wellington, New Zealand as well as at the Birthlight Conference in Cambridge, England.

“Bob and Kathy’s contributions to the swimming community over the decades are immeasurable,” said USSSA Executive Director Lisa Zarda. “They have touched thousands of lives teaching children to swim, dedicated hours of their own time to develop quality training programs for instructors and opened their doors to countless swim school owners to share best practices. I cannot think of two people more deserving of this honor.”

Christine Taylor Recognized as United States Swim School Association National Educator of the Year

Photo Courtesy: USSSA

“A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning.” Brad Henry. The US Swim School Association (USSSA) is committed to growing and developing education and benefits for our swim instructors. It would seem only fitting that we honor instructors with our first National Educator of the Year Award at our 2017 National Conference. Our schools all have some amazing instructors, it’s the backbone of what they do. In our first year for this award we are pleased to present one of the National Educator of the Year Awards to Christine Taylor with Making Waves Swim School in Ontario, Canada.

Christine has been an instructor for over 20 years and has touched the lives of thousands of children, adults and teens. She has inspired hundreds of people to follow in her footsteps and deliver this invaluable lifesaving skill back to their communities as swim instructors. Parents LOVE her and so do her students- she is, by far, the most requested teacher company wide.

She has the kindest heart and a caring warmth about her, she can help students learn anything in the water! She is also a valued team member and someone who any staff can depend on for a sympathetic ear or great advice. As a “Swim Master” with Solo Swims of Ontario, she worked with athletes to help them cross Lake Ontario from Niagara on the Lake to Marilyn Bell Park in Toronto. As a swim master, her job was to meet with the athletes beforehand to discuss what would happen along the course. She stayed up all night taking vital signs and encouraging athletes while working with the coaching staff and helped many athletes successfully cross the lake.

“Christine’s passion for swim instruction is admirable” said USSSA Executive Director Lisa Zarda. “She is a true example of the ripple effect one person can have on so many lives. We are honored to recognize Christine as one of our first National Educators of the Year.”

Hallie Lonial Recognized as United States Swim School Association National Educator of the Year

Photo Courtesy: USSSA

“Education is the key to success in life, and teachers make a lasting impact in the lives of their students.” Solomon Ortiz. As the USSSA continues to grow education and benefits for our swim instructors it seems only fitting that we honor them with our first National Educator of the Year Award at our 2017 National Conference. Swim schools would not be the success they are without a team of dedicated instructors teaching and caring for students. Our schools all have some amazing instructors, it’s the backbone of what they do. In our first year for this award we are pleased to present one of the National Educator of the Year Awards to Hallie Lonial, with Swim Beyond in Atlanta, GA..

Hallie brings a lot of enthusiasm with her to teach each day. Her smile and exuberance are catching, even to the most nervous, reluctant student. And while she is an amazing swim instructor, what is most impressive is her desire to learn to be a better and more effective teacher. She always welcomes constructive criticism and implements what she learns immediately. She brings a big smile, a warm heart, and a deep passion for children and swimming with her each day.

She has most recently completed Positive Coach Alliance’s Double Goal Coach Developing Triple-Impact Competitors course online as well as the Georgia High School Association Swimming and Diving Rules Clinic. She’s also given a talk with TEDXEmory on how to increase the number of minority children in swimming (which is something Swim Beyond devotes a lot of attention to improving).

“Hallie represents our next generation of instructors and learn-to-swim leaders” said USSSA Executive Director Lisa Zarda. “She has a passion for teaching, learning and for her students. We offer our congratulations to Hallie, one of our first National Educators of the Year.”

United States Swim School Association Elects Mike Williams as Next Vice President of the Association’s Board of Directors

The United States Swim School Association (USSSA) held its 29th Annual National Conference in Orlando, FL from October 11th to October 13, 2017. Over 370 swim school owners, managers and instructors attended the event and participated in ongoing educational classes, a vendor exposition, business development discussions and drowning prevention presentations. During the conference, the Association held an election for the position of Vice President.

Mike Williams, co-owner of American Kids Sports Center, was elected to the 2017 Board of Directors as its newest Vice President to serve two years as Vice President followed by two years as President. A member of the Association since 2004, Mike and his wife Sheri own and operate a multi-activity facility, American Kids Sports Center (AKSC). Since joining, he has been an active member attending nearly every national convention (presented at two of them), numerous spring conferences, Champions Club events, the Australian Swim Conference and several International conferences. Part of being an active member meant running and serving on the Board of Directors as Treasurer, which he did from 2012 to 2015.

He holds a BA in Business Administration and developed his finance skills in his first career as a financial analyst for Sun World International. Mike has also served a local hospital as Chairman, the Emanuel Christian Seminary as an Advisor and SoCal Men’s gymnastics as President. He is currently also a school board trustee of California’s largest high school district.

“We are happy to welcome Mike back to the board of directors in this important roll,” said USSSA Executive Director, Lisa Zarda. “Mike has contributed to this association in various capacities for many years and I look forward to the insight he will be able to share that will help continue to grow and advance our Association.”

United States Swim School Association Swears in John Kirk as Newest President of the Association’s Board of Directors

Photo Courtesy: USSSA

FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ – The United States Swim School Association (USSSA) held its 29th Annual National Conference in Orlando, FL from October 11th to October 13, 2014. Over 370 swim school owners, managers and instructors attended the event and participated in ongoing educational classes, a vendor exposition, business development discussions and drowning prevention presentations. During the conference, the Association swore in a new President, John Kirk for a two year term.

John Kirk, co-owner of Little Otter Swim School, has been member of the Association for well over a decade. John, together with his wife Lory, own and operate two successful swim schools. The first location, Little Otter Swim School in Charlotte has been open since 2005 and his second location in Huntersville opened in January of 2014.

“We thank John for his leadership and dedication to serve as President of this Association,” said USSSA Executive Director, Lisa Zarda. “John has been an influential member of the organization for many years. I look forward to working closely with him to continue to grow and advance the Association.”

The above press releases courtesy of the United States Swim School Association

About US Swim School Association

US Swim School Association (USSSA) began in 1988 and has become the largest and preeminent swim school association in the country with over 400 members providing swim and water safety instruction to over 500,000 students each year. Swim schools receive invaluable benefits as USSSA members, receiving the latest training in water safety, swim instruction methods and tools, as well as and many other benefits that help establish and build each individual business. For more information, visit www.usswimschools.org.

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Swimming Pool Lovers

6 years ago

Epic.