Q. Who can host a Swim-a-Thon

A. Anyone can host a Swim-a-Thon. Hosting a Swim-a-Thonis a great way to fundraise for your swim team or club. It’s also an effective tool for summer leagues, high school teams, affinity groups or college and universities!


Q. Can we hold a Swim-a-Thon without a contract?

A. No! Swim-a-Thon is a registered trademark owned by the USA Swimming Foundation. Holding a Swim-a-Thon without a contract would be a violation of this trademark.


Q. Can we hold a lap-a-thon and not pay 5% to the USA Swimming Foundation?
A. No! Swim-a-Thon is a registered trademark owned by the USA Swimming Foundation. Any pledge-for-length event branding that resembles a Swim-a-Thon, including lap-a-thons, aqua-thons, pool-a-thons or other similarly branded programs involving lap swimming, are a violation of this trademark.


Q. Why should I register my Swim-a-Thon?

A. Registering your Swim-a-Thon gives you access to the USA Swimming Foundation’s platform of fundraising tips and tricks, as well as an online platform—which many teams have used to double or triple the amount of money they are able to raise. Additionally, the Foundation provides incentive prizes for your team, which is covered by the 5% contribute. 

Finally, the money you raise is going to a great cause. The USA Swimming Foundation is the philanthropic arm of USA Swimming, and works to provide every child in America with the opportunity to learn to swim. You’re helping swimming not only on the club level, but the national level. Many of your Swim-a-Thon donors are excited to help both their local club, as well as be part of a national movement— this added benefit can help you to raise more from your donors, family and friends. 


Q. What happens if I don’t register my Swim-a-Thon?
A. The USA Swimming Foundation has the right to pursue any team or club that violates the Swim-a-Thon trademark. Of course, our primary goal is to support teams in their efforts, so we are doing everything in our power to NOT go this route. We understand that many teams haven’t been aware of the compliance rules regarding Swim-a-Thons, so we’re making calls, sending letters, and trying to work with teams to make sure everyone has a positive experience.  


Q. Can my team contribute more than 5% to the USA Swimming Foundation?
A. Yes! If you are interested in supporting the USA Swimming Foundation’s mission to save lives and build champions beyond your mandatory 5% contribution, you are more than welcome to do so. The Foundation is very grateful for your generous support!  


Q. Can my organization conduct more than one Swim-a-Thon per year?
A. Yes. You may hold as many Swim-a-Thons as you like per year, as long as each effort is registered with the USA Swimming Foundation. Multiple Swim-a-Thons, however, are usually not as effective as one well-planned and well-coordinated effort.  


Q. Is Swim-a-Thon covered by USA Swimming insurance?
A. Yes! Any USA Swimming member-club that contracts with the USA Swimming Foundation to conduct a Swim-a-Thon is covered by USA Swimming insurance. All other entities hosting Swim-a-Thon's must provide their own liability insurance coverage. 


Q. Why should I care about giving the Foundation money?
 A. The USA Swimming Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that serves as the philanthropic arm of USA Swimming. 

Relying on the generosity of individuals, foundations and corporations to achieve our mission of saving lives and building champions—in the pool and in life, the USA Swimming Foundation hopes the Swim-a-Thon program will provide even more crucial resources to help the kids who need our support.

For example, since 2007, through more than 1,000 swim lesson providers in all 50 states, the Foundation has awarded more than $7.5 MILLION in grant-funding to allow children to participate in learn-to-swim programs.