USSSA continues to advance legislative and regulatory initiatives across the country while working alongside members to ensure the learn-to-swim industry’s voice is represented.
Florida
Florida member swim schools continue to meet regularly to discuss both the successes and ongoing challenges of the Florida Swim Lesson Voucher Program. The group is working collaboratively to identify opportunities for improvement, provide feedback to state leaders, and seek additional clarification on program implementation. In addition, SB 428 took effect on July 1, 2026, expanding Florida’s swim lesson voucher program. USSSA has also reached out to the Florida Department of Health to offer our expertise as a resource in the development and distribution of water safety education for new parents.
New York
USSSA members recently met with representatives from the New York State Department of Health to discuss the availability of NY SWIMS swim lesson funding. The meeting provided valuable insight into the program and potential funding opportunities. Building on those discussions, USSSA is gathering information and developing a proposal for a pilot program designed to expand access to swim lessons through available state resources.
California
USSSA’s review of the California Energy Commission’s proposed solar pool heating regulation continues. Formal comment letters have been submitted by both USSSA and the California Coalition for Safe Swimming and Healthy Pools (CCCSH). In addition, one of our California member swim schools has met with, and continues to communicate directly with, a California Energy Commission Commissioner to better understand the goals of the proposal while sharing the real-world operational impacts on year-round learn-to-swim facilities. Beyond pool heating, USSSA members are actively participating in a statewide working group focused on developing a California swim lesson voucher program and creating a statewide directory of swim lesson providers.
Virginia
Following the passage of HB 222, Virginia has established a stakeholder Working Group to assist with implementation of the legislation. HB 222 directs the Board of Health to adopt updated regulations governing public swimming pools and other aquatic facilities, with the new regulations scheduled to take effect in July 2027. USSSA now has a representative serving on the Working Group, and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve as a resource as the Department of Health considers important topics including swim lesson staffing models and lifeguard regulations.
