The Association of Aquatic Professionals (AOAP) is dedicated to the promotion and advocacy of policies, practices, and procedures that enhance safety and improvements in aquatic education, recreational activities, programs, and facilities. This non-profit organization aims to prevent drowning through their RESPECT the Water program, by building a national network for drowning prevention, swim education, and life jacket safety, allocating proceeds towards these causes.
The AOAP swim lesson and lifejacket grant program aims to support aquatic facilities in their efforts to prevent drowning. The program provides funding for organizations to offer swim lessons and educate the community about life jacket safety. Specifically, the grant supports programs that: 1) educate on lifejacket safety, 2) provide financial assistance for swim lesson programs, 3) supply organizations with lifejackets, 4) aim to provide at least 100 free swim lessons to underprivileged participants annually, and 5) distribute a minimum of 200 lifejackets each year to facilitate water safety education.