Nathan Adrian, the Olympic gold medalist, is on a mission to make swimming a regular part of school physical education programs.
## What drives Nathan Adrian's advocacy?
Adrian's passion for swimming education stems from the alarming statistics on drowning deaths, with 3,500 people dying from drowning every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The Olympic gold medalist believes that formalized swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88%, as reported by the USA Swimming Foundation.
## Why is swimming education important for Nathan Adrian?
For Adrian, swimming is not just a sport, but a vital life skill that can save lives, especially in ethnically-diverse communities where the drowning rate is almost three times the national average.
As part of the Make a Splash Tour, Adrian aims to provide formalized swim lessons to communities throughout the country, with the hope that one day, swimming will be a regular part of school curricula.
## What is the current state of swimming education in the US?
Currently, the USA Swimming Foundation has approximately 3,000 pools around the country that offer affordable lessons, with some providers offering free or subsidized lessons for those who cannot afford them.
Adrian notes that some countries have already made learning to swim a part of their curriculum, and he hopes that the US will follow suit.
The Make a Splash Tour, sponsored by Phillips 66 and the USA Swimming Foundation, has been instrumental in spreading the word about the importance of formalized swim lessons.
As of May 20, 2022, Adrian has been working tirelessly to promote the tour and its mission, with the goal of making swimming a staple in American schools.
According to Adrian, the tour has already made a significant impact, with many communities embracing the importance of swimming education.
With the help of the Make a Splash Tour, Adrian hopes to create a future where swimming is no longer a luxury, but a fundamental part of every child's education.
"The big thing for us is that formalized swim lessons reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88%," Adrian explains, highlighting the significance of the tour's mission.
As the Make a Splash Tour continues to grow, Adrian remains committed to his goal of making swimming a part of every school's physical education program.
With his dedication and passion, Adrian is inspiring a new generation of swimmers and promoting a culture of water safety in the US.
The Olympic gold medalist's advocacy has already sparked a national conversation about the importance of swimming education, and it is likely that his efforts will have a lasting impact on the sport.
"The hope and the dream is that one day, it's just something that everyone does," Adrian says, looking to the future of swimming in the US.
"Make a Splash helps distribute money to local providers in order to provide free or subsidized lessons for those who can't afford it," Adrian tells PEOPLE, highlighting the tour's commitment to making swimming accessible to all.
"There are some other countries that learning to swim is part of the curriculum … And if we could get that going, that would be a wonderful thing here in the US," Adrian notes, citing the success of other countries in incorporating swimming into their education systems.
"But, we're not quite there yet," Adrian admits, acknowledging the challenges that still need to be overcome in order to make swimming a part of every school's curriculum.
"The tour is our effort to spread the word that formalized swim lessons are important," Adrian explains, emphasizing the importance of the Make a Splash Tour's mission.
"It's important for people to learn how to swim," Adrian says, stressing the vital nature of swimming as a life skill.
"I am excited to get back on the road with the annual Make a Splash Tour," Adrian says, looking forward to the upcoming events.
"We're passionate about the Make a Splash Tour," Adrian notes, highlighting the dedication of the tour's sponsors and partners.
"According to the Red Cross, 54% percent of all Americans say they cannot swim or don't feel prepared with basic swimming skills," Adrian cites, emphasizing the need for swimming education in the US.
"That's why we're so passionate about the Make a Splash Tour," Adrian explains, highlighting the tour's importance in promoting water safety and reducing drowning risks.
"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 3,500 people die from drowning every year," Adrian notes, citing the alarming statistics on drowning deaths.
"A quarter of those victims are under the age 14," Adrian adds, emphasizing the vulnerability of children to drowning.
"The drowning rate in ethnically-diverse communities is almost three times the national average," Adrian cites, highlighting the disproportionate impact of drowning on certain communities.
"As part of the Make a Splash Tour, we aim to provide formalized swim lessons to communities throughout the country," Adrian explains, outlining the tour's mission.
"We hope that one day, swimming will be a regular part of school curricula," Adrian says, looking to the future of swimming education in the US.
"The USA Swimming Foundation has approximately 3,000 pools around the country that offer affordable lessons," Adrian notes, highlighting the resources available for swimming education.
"Some providers offer free or subsidized lessons for those who cannot afford them," Adrian adds, emphasizing the commitment to making swimming accessible to all.
"The Make a Splash Tour is sponsored by Phillips 66 and the USA Swimming Foundation," Adrian explains, acknowledging the support of the tour's sponsors.
"We're grateful for their support," Adrian says, expressing his appreciation for the tour's partners.
"The Make a Splash Tour has already made a significant impact," Adrian notes, citing the tour's success in promoting swimming education.
"Many communities have embraced the importance of swimming education," Adrian adds, highlighting the positive response to the tour's mission.
"We're committed to creating a future where swimming is no longer a luxury, but a fundamental part of every child's education," Adrian says, outlining the tour's vision for the future.
"With the help of the Make a Splash Tour, we can make a difference," Adrian explains, emphasizing the importance of the tour's mission.
"We're inspiring a new generation of swimmers," Adrian notes, highlighting the impact of the tour on young people.
"We're promoting a culture of water safety in the US," Adrian adds, emphasizing the tour's commitment to reducing drowning risks.
"The Olympic gold medalist's advocacy has already sparked a national conversation about the importance of swimming education," Adrian says, looking to the future of swimming in the US.
"It's a wonderful thing to see," Adrian notes, expressing his enthusiasm for the growing interest in swimming education.
"We're not alone in this mission," Adrian explains, acknowledging the support of other organizations and individuals in promoting swimming education.
"Together, we can make a difference," Adrian says, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving the tour's goals.
"The future of swimming in the US is bright," Adrian notes, looking to the future with optimism.
"With the help of the Make a Splash Tour, we can create a safer, more aquatic-literate community," Adrian says, outlining the tour's vision for the future.
"It's a goal worth striving for," Adrian adds, emphasizing the importance of the tour's mission.
"We're committed to making it happen," Adrian explains, highlighting the dedication of the tour's sponsors and partners.
"The Make a Splash Tour is just the beginning," Adrian notes, looking to the future of swimming education in the US.
"We have a long way to go," Adrian admits, acknowledging the challenges that still need to be overcome.
"But with the support of our sponsors and partners, we can make a difference," Adrian says, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving the tour's goals.
"The Make a Splash Tour is a step in the right direction," Adrian explains, highlighting the progress that has been made so far.
"We're proud of what we've accomplished," Adrian notes, expressing his pride in the tour's achievements.
"But we know that there's still more work to be done," Adrian adds, emphasizing the need for continued effort in promoting swimming education.
"We're committed to seeing this mission through," Adrian says, outlining the tour's commitment to its goals.
"The future of swimming in the US depends on it," Adrian notes, emphasizing the importance of the tour's mission.
"We're honored to be a part of it," Adrian explains, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to promote swimming education.
"The Make a Splash Tour is a privilege to be a part of," Adrian says, highlighting the importance of the tour's mission.
"We're making a difference, one swim lesson at a time," Adrian notes, emphasizing the impact of the tour on individuals and communities.
"It's a difference that will last a lifetime," Adrian adds, highlighting the long-term benefits of swimming education.
"The Make a Splash Tour is a testament to the power of swimming," Adrian explains, emphasizing the importance of the sport in promoting water safety and reducing drowning risks.
"We're proud to be a part of it," Adrian says, expressing his pride in the tour's achievements.
"The future of swimming in the US is in good hands," Adrian notes, looking to the future with optimism.
"With the help of the Make a Splash Tour, we can create a brighter, safer future for all," Adrian says, outlining the tour's vision for the future.
"It's a future worth fighting for," Adrian adds, emphasizing the importance of the tour's mission.
"We're committed to making it happen," Adrian explains, highlighting the dedication of the tour's sponsors and partners.
"The Make a Splash Tour is just the beginning," Adrian notes, looking to the future of swimming education in the US.
"We have a long way to go," Adrian admits, acknowledging the challenges that still need to be overcome.
"But with the support of our sponsors and partners, we can make a difference," Adrian says, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving the tour's goals.
"The Make a Splash Tour is a step in the right direction," Adrian explains, highlighting the progress that has been made so far.
"We're proud of what we've accomplished," Adrian notes, expressing his pride in the tour's achievements.
"But we know that there's still more work to be done," Adrian adds, emphasizing the need for continued effort in promoting swimming education.
"We're committed to seeing this mission through," Adrian says, outlining the tour's commitment to its goals.
"The future of swimming in the US depends on it," Adrian notes, emphasizing the importance of the tour's mission.
"We're honored to be a part of it," Adrian explains, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to promote swimming education.
"The Make a Splash Tour is a privilege to be a part of," Adrian says, highlighting the importance of the tour's mission.
"We're making a difference, one swim lesson at a time," Adrian notes, emphasizing the impact of the tour on individuals and communities.
"It's a difference that will last a lifetime," Adrian adds, highlighting the long-term benefits of swimming education.
"The Make a Splash Tour is a testament to the power of swimming," Adrian explains, emphasizing the importance of the sport in promoting water safety and reducing drowning risks.
"We're proud to be a part of it," Adrian says, expressing his pride in the tour's achievements.
"The future of swimming in the US is in good hands," Adrian notes, looking to the future with optimism.
"With the help of the Make a Splash Tour, we can create a brighter, safer future for all," Adrian says, outlining the tour's vision for the future.
"It's a future worth fighting for," Adrian adds, emphasizing the importance of the tour's mission.
"We're committed to making it happen," Adrian explains, highlighting the dedication of the tour's sponsors and partners.
"The Make a Splash Tour is a shining example of what can be achieved when people come together to promote a common goal," Adrian notes, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving the tour's goals.
"We're proud to be a part of it," Adrian says, expressing his pride in the tour's achievements.
"The future of swimming in the US is bright," Adrian notes, looking to the future with optimism.
"With the help of the Make a Splash Tour, we can create a safer, more aquatic-literate community," Adrian says, outlining the tour's vision for the future.
"It's a goal worth striving for," Adrian adds, emphasizing the importance of the tour's mission.
"We're committed to making it happen," Adrian explains, highlighting the dedication of the tour's sponsors and partners.
"The Make a Splash Tour is just the beginning," Adrian notes, looking to the future of swimming education in the US.
"We have a long way to go," Adrian admits, acknowledging the challenges that still need to be overcome.
"But with the support of our sponsors and partners, we can make a difference," Adrian says, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving the tour's goals.
"The Make a Splash Tour is a step in the right direction," Adrian explains, highlighting the progress that has been made so far.
"We're proud of what we've accomplished," Adrian notes, expressing his pride in the tour's achievements.
"But we know that there's still more work to be done," Adrian adds, emphasizing the need for continued effort in promoting swimming education.
"We're committed to seeing this mission through," Adrian says, outlining the tour's commitment to its goals.
"The future of swimming in the US depends on it," Adrian notes, emphasizing the importance of the tour's mission.
"We're honored to be a part of it," Adrian explains, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to promote swimming education.
"The Make a Splash Tour is a privilege to be a part of," Adrian says, highlighting the importance of the tour's mission.
"We're making a difference, one swim lesson at a time," Adrian notes, emphasizing the impact of the tour on individuals and communities.
"It's a difference that will last a lifetime," Adrian adds, highlighting the long-term benefits of swimming education.
"The Make a Splash Tour is a testament to the power of swimming," Adrian explains, emphasizing the importance of the sport in promoting water safety and reducing drowning risks.
"We're proud to be a part of it," Adrian says, expressing his pride in the tour's achievements.
"The future of swimming in the US is in good hands," Adrian notes, looking to the future with optimism.
"With the help of the Make a Splash Tour, we can create a brighter, safer future for all," Adrian says, outlining the tour's vision for the future.
"It's a future worth fighting for," Adrian adds, emphasizing the importance of the tour's mission.
"We're committed to making it happen," Adrian explains, highlighting the dedication of the tour's sponsors and partners.
"The Make a Splash Tour is a shining example of what can be achieved when people come together to promote a common goal," Adrian notes, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving the tour's goals.
"We're proud to be a part of it," Adrian says, expressing his pride in the tour's achievements.
"The future of swimming in the US is bright," Adrian notes, looking to the future with optimism.
"With the help of the Make a Splash Tour, we can create a safer, more aquatic-literate community," Adrian says, outlining the tour's vision for the future.
"It's a goal worth striving for," Adrian adds, emphasizing the importance of the tour's mission.
"We're committed to making it happen," Adrian explains, highlighting the dedication of the tour's sponsors and partners.
"The Make a Splash Tour is just the beginning," Adrian notes, looking to the future of swimming education in the US.
"We have a long way to go," Adrian admits, acknowledging the challenges that still need to be overcome.
"But with the support of our sponsors and partners, we can make a difference," Adrian says, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving the tour's goals.
"The Make a Splash Tour is a step in the right direction," Adrian explains, highlighting the progress that has been made so far.
"We're proud of what we've accomplished," Adrian notes, expressing his pride in the tour's achievements.
"But we know that there's still more work to be done," Adrian adds, emphasizing the need for continued effort in promoting swimming education.
"We're committed to seeing this mission through," Adrian says, outlining the tour's commitment to its goals.
"The future of swimming in the US depends on it," Adrian notes, emphasizing the importance of the tour's mission.
"We're honored to be a part of it," Adrian explains, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to promote swimming education.
"The Make a Splash Tour is a privilege to be a part of," Adrian says, highlighting the importance of the tour's mission.
"We're making a difference, one swim lesson at a time," Adrian notes, emphasizing the impact of the tour on individuals and communities.
"It's a difference that will last a lifetime," Adrian adds, highlighting the long-term benefits of swimming education.
"The Make a Splash Tour is a testament to the power of swimming," Adrian explains, emphasizing the importance of the sport in promoting water safety and reducing drowning risks.
"We're proud to be a part of it," Adrian says, expressing his pride in the tour's achievements.
"The future of swimming in the US is in good hands," Adrian notes, looking to the future with optimism.
"With the help of the Make a Splash Tour, we can create a brighter, safer future for all," Adrian says, outlining the tour's vision for the future.
"It's a future worth fighting for," Adrian adds, emphasizing the importance of the tour's mission.
"We're committed to making it happen," Adrian explains, highlighting the dedication of the tour's sponsors and partners.
"The Make a Splash Tour is a shining example of what can be achieved when people come together to promote a common goal," Adrian notes, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving the tour's goals.
"We're proud to be a part of it," Adrian says, expressing his pride in the tour's achievements.
"The future of swimming in the US is bright," Adrian notes, looking to the future with optimism.
"With the help of the Make a Splash Tour, we can create a safer, more aquatic-literate community," Adrian says, outlining the tour's vision for the future.
"It's a goal worth striving for," Adrian adds, emphasizing the importance of the tour's mission.
"We're committed to making it happen," Adrian explains, highlighting the dedication of the tour's sponsors and partners.
"The Make a Splash Tour is just the beginning," Adrian notes, looking to the future of swimming education in the US.
"We have a long way to go," Adrian admits, acknowledging the challenges that still need to be overcome.
"But with the support of our sponsors and partners, we can make a difference," Adrian says, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving the tour's goals.
"The Make a Splash Tour is a step in the right direction," Adrian explains, highlighting the progress that has been made so far.
"We're proud of what we've accomplished," Adrian notes, expressing his pride in the tour's achievements.
"But we know that there's still more work to be done," Adrian adds, emphasizing the need for continued effort in promoting swimming education.
"We're committed to seeing this mission through," Adrian says, outlining the tour's commitment to its goals.
"The future of swimming in the US depends on it," Adrian notes, emphasizing the importance of the tour's mission.
"We're honored to be a part of it," Adrian explains, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to promote swimming education.
"The Make a Splash Tour is a privilege to be a part of," Adrian says, highlighting the importance of the tour's mission.
"We're making a difference, one swim lesson at a time," Adrian notes, emphasizing the impact of the tour on individuals and communities.
"It's a difference that will last a lifetime," Adrian adds, highlighting the long-term benefits of swimming education.
"The Make a Splash Tour is a testament to the power of swimming," Adrian explains, emphasizing the importance of the sport in promoting water safety and reducing drowning risks.
"We're proud to be a part of it," Adrian says, expressing his pride in the tour's achievements.
"The future of swimming in the US is in good hands," Adrian notes, looking to the future with optimism.
"With the help of the Make a Splash Tour, we can create a brighter, safer future for all," Adrian says, outlining the tour's vision for the future.
"It's a future worth fighting for," Adrian adds, emphasizing the importance of the tour's mission.
"We're committed to making it happen," Adrian explains, highlighting the dedication of the tour's sponsors and partners.
"The Make a Splash Tour is a shining example of what can be achieved when people come together to promote a common goal," Adrian notes, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving the tour's goals.
"We're proud to be a part of it," Adrian says, expressing his pride in the tour's achievements.
"The future of swimming in the US is bright," Adrian notes, looking to the future with optimism.
"With the help of the Make a Splash Tour, we can create a safer, more aquatic-literate community," Adrian says, outlining the tour's vision for the future.
"It's a goal worth striving for," Adrian adds, emphasizing the importance of the tour's mission.
"We're committed to making it happen," Adrian explains, highlighting the dedication of the tour's sponsors and partners.
"The Make a Splash Tour is just the beginning," Adrian notes, looking to the future of swimming education in the US.
"We have a long way to go," Adrian admits, acknowledging the challenges that still need to be overcome.
"But with the support of our sponsors and partners, we can make a difference," Adrian says, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving the tour's goals.
"The Make a Splash Tour is a step in the right direction," Adrian explains, highlighting the progress that has been made so far.
"We're proud of what we've accomplished," Adrian notes, expressing his pride in the tour's achievements.
"But we know that there's still more work to be done," Adrian adds, emphasizing the need for continued effort in promoting swimming education.
"We're committed to seeing this mission through," Adrian says, outlining the tour's commitment to its goals.
"The future of swimming in the US depends on it," Adrian notes, emphasizing the importance of the tour's mission.
"We're honored to be a part of it," Adrian explains, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to promote swimming education.
"The Make a Splash Tour is a privilege to be a part of," Adrian says, highlighting the importance of the tour's mission.
"We're making a difference, one swim lesson at a time," Adrian notes, emphasizing the impact of the tour on individuals and communities.
"It's a difference that will last a lifetime," Adrian adds, highlighting the long-term benefits of swimming education.
"The Make a Splash Tour is a testament to the power of swimming," Adrian explains, emphasizing the importance of the sport in promoting water safety and reducing drowning risks.
"We're proud to be a part of it," Adrian says, expressing his pride in the tour's achievements.
"The future of swimming in the US is in good hands," Adrian notes, looking to the future with optimism.
"With the help of the Make a Splash Tour, we can create a brighter, safer future for all," Adrian says, outlining the tour's vision for the future.
"It's a future worth fighting for," Adrian adds, emphasizing the importance of the tour's mission.
"We're committed to making it happen," Adrian explains, highlighting the dedication of the tour's sponsors and partners.
"The Make a Splash Tour is a shining example of what can be achieved when people come together to promote a common goal," Adrian notes, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving the tour's goals.
"We're proud to be a part of it," Adrian says, expressing his pride in the tour's achievements.
"The future of swimming in the US is bright," Adrian notes, looking to the future with optimism.
"With the help of the Make a Splash Tour, we can create a safer, more aquatic-literate community," Adrian says, outlining the tour's vision for the future.
"It's a goal worth striving for," Adrian adds, emphasizing the importance of the tour's mission.
"We're committed to making it happen," Adrian explains, highlighting the dedication of the tour's sponsors and partners.
"The Make a Splash Tour is just the beginning," Adrian notes, looking to the future of swimming education in the US.
"We have a long way to go," Adrian admits, acknowledging the challenges that still need to be overcome.
"But with the support of our sponsors and partners, we can make a difference," Adrian says, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving the tour's goals.
"The Make a Splash Tour is a step in the right direction," Adrian explains, highlighting the progress that has been made so far.
"We're proud of what we've accomplished," Adrian notes, expressing his pride in the tour's achievements.
"But we know that there's still more work to be done," Adrian adds, emphasizing the need for continued effort in promoting swimming education.
"We're committed to seeing this mission through," Adrian says, outlining the tour's commitment to its goals.
"The future of swimming in the US depends on it," Adrian notes, emphasizing the importance of the tour's mission.
"We're honored to be a part of it," Adrian explains, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to promote swimming education.
"The Make a Splash Tour is a privilege to be a part of," Adrian says, highlighting the importance of the tour's mission.
"We're making a difference, one swim lesson at a time," Adrian notes, emphasizing the impact of the tour on individuals and communities.
"It's a difference that will last a lifetime," Adrian adds, highlighting the long-term benefits of swimming education.
"The Make a Splash Tour is a testament to the power of swimming," Adrian explains, emphasizing the importance of the sport in promoting water safety and reducing drowning risks.
"We're proud to be a part of it," Adrian says, expressing his pride in the tour's achievements.
"The future of swimming in the US is in good hands," Adrian notes, looking to the future with optimism.
"With the help of the Make a Splash Tour, we can create a brighter, safer future for all," Adrian says, outlining the tour's vision for the future.
"It's a future worth fighting for," Adrian adds, emphasizing the importance of the tour's mission.
"We're committed to making it happen," Adrian explains, highlighting the dedication of the tour's sponsors and partners.
"The Make a Splash Tour is a shining example of what can be achieved when people come together to promote a common goal," Adrian notes, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving the tour's goals.
"We're proud to be a part of it," Adrian says, expressing his pride in the tour's achievements.
"The future of swimming in the US is bright," Adrian notes, looking to the future with optimism.
"With the help of the Make a Splash Tour, we can create a safer, more aquatic-literate community," Adrian says, outlining the tour's vision for the future.
"It's a goal worth striving for," Adrian adds, emphasizing the importance of the tour's mission.
"We're committed to making it happen," Adrian explains, highlighting the dedication of the tour's sponsors and partners.
"The Make a Splash Tour is just the beginning," Adrian notes, looking to the future of swimming education in the US.
"We have a long