At Ocaquatics Swim School, culture isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a living, breathing force that drives their people and purpose. Featured in the Spring 2025 issue of USSSA’s Ready, Set, Swim Magazine, Ocaquatics shared how they’ve turned a simple phrase—“OWN IT”—into a powerful way of thinking, acting, and showing up every single day.
As leaders in the aquatics industry, Ocaquatics shows us that ownership starts with intention, not chance. Their OWN IT culture is built on three foundational principles:
- Operate with Purpose
- Welcome Growth
- Navigate with Courage
Let’s take a deeper dive into what that looks like—and why swim schools across the country are taking notice.
Operate with Purpose: Know Your “Why”
At the heart of OWN IT is a meaningful mission:
“To make a positive difference for our team, our families, our community, and the planet.”
Ocaquatics embeds this purpose into every interaction. Whether it’s teaching water safety or reinforcing social and environmental responsibility, their team is driven by a deeper cause. And it’s not just talk—Ocaquatics has aligned their work with real-world impact, like helping children avoid drowning (a leading cause of death for kids ages 1–5).
Welcome Growth: Learn Boldly
Growth is more than performance metrics at Ocaquatics—it’s about being lifelong learners. That means:
- Trying new things, even when it feels scary
- Asking for and offering feedback
- Turning mistakes into learning moments
The organization cultivates an environment where mistakes are stepping stones and coaching is constant. With a deep belief in always learning, Ocaquatics invests in personal development and financial literacy for its team—helping individuals build resilience and confidence along the way.
Navigate with Courage: Dare to Be Different
Ocaquatics doesn’t follow the crowd—they lead with boldness. Their OWN IT culture thrives on innovation, including:
- Launching indoor swim schools in Miami despite challenging weather conditions
- Becoming the first swim school to achieve B Corp certification
- Transitioning to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT)—one of the few U.S. swim schools to do so
At its core, navigating with courage means showing up, speaking out, and doing what’s right even when it’s tough.
What’s in It for You?
Whether you’re a school owner, team leader, or swim instructor, there’s something to learn from Ocaquatics’ culture. Their success isn’t just about business—it’s about:
- Greater employee retention
- Stronger team dynamics
- Bigger community impact
And most importantly, it’s about building a workplace where people thrive, not just survive.
Want to Learn More? Join the OWN IT Culture Session at the 2025 National Conference!
Excited to dig deeper into what makes a culture like Ocaquatics’ so impactful?
Don’t miss the ROI “Building an OWN IT Culture in Your Business” session at the upcoming USSSA National Conference, happening September 28–30, 2025 in Phoenix, AZ.
You’ll hear firsthand how schools are developing leaders, encouraging accountability, and creating workplaces where people grow—and you’ll walk away with ideas to bring back to your own team.
Why Join USSSA?
If you’re looking to elevate your swim school, expand your network, and stay ahead of the curve in swim education—there’s no better partner than USSSA.
As a member, you’ll gain:
- Access to cutting-edge training, events, and conferences
- A supportive community of swim school leaders and educators
- Resources to help your business grow and your team thrive
Whether you’re a new school or a well-established name, USSSA provides the tools and connections to make a real impact.
Ready to take the plunge?
Learn more and become a member today at usswimschools.org.
