(Tustin, CA – August 28, 2023) – As a state of emergency is declared for 33 Florida counties ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia, which is expected to become a hurricane before making landfall sometime Wednesday along Florida’s Gulf Coast, the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) reminds parents and families that storm fatalities are more likely from water not wind*, and to prepare accordingly.

While tropical storms and hurricanes are classified according to wind strength, adverse water-related conditions such as storm surge, rainfall flooding, rip currents, and high surf conditions account for the majority of fatalities resulting from such events. According to a study by NHC, an average of seven of eight fatalities from tropical cyclones in the U.S. between 1963 and 2012 were drowning and/or water related.

“Applying the same drowning prevention strategies practiced in the home and when recreating around pools and open bodies of water, to storm preparedness can be equally helpful in preventing a drowning incident during a tropical storm or hurricane when flash floods and other dangerous water conditions occur,” said Adam Katchmarchi, Ph.D., Executive Director, National Drowning Prevention Alliance. “For one, we know that drownings among small children can occur with just a few inches of standing water, so whether storm waters enter the home or flooding conditions are present nearby, parents need to be vigilant and take precautions.”

Specifically, Katchmarchi also warns that filling bathtubs with water – often recommended ahead of storms and hurricanes in the event of post-storm water shortages – can become an increased drowning risk for children inside the home.

When it comes to water safety, more is better which is why NDPA advocates the Five Layers of Protection – barriers and alarms, water competency, supervision, life jackets, and emergency preparedness – all of which can be applied effectively as part of one’s overall hurricane preparedness practices.

In addition to the Five Layers of Protection to help prevent drowning, NDPA encourages those in tropical storm and hurricane-prone areas to follow NHC and NOAA hurricane preparedness guidelines including:

• · Determining if you live in a flood-prone area and/or in an evacuation zone
• · Shoring up vulnerable areas of your home where water and wind can enter such as basements, windows and roofs
• · Avoiding floodwaters and areas with downed powerlines following a storm

For additional hurricane preparedness recommendations, visit NOAA.gov.

*According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC)

About the National Drowning Prevention Alliance The mission of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance is “United, we can prevent the tragedy of drowning.” Through education, awareness, and advocacy, NDPA seeks to reduce the incidence of drowning and aquatic injuries in the United States and abroad and to address the single leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4. To learn more, visit ndpa.org.

This lightweight formula offers greater workability and a long 60-minute open time allowing for greater flexibility during the installation process

August 22, 2023, Bethany, Conn. — LATICRETE, a leading manufacturer of globally proven construction solutions for the building industry, has introduced 254 PLATINUM^TM Plus, a high-performance, lightweight thin-set adhesive mortar that builds on the strengths of the original 254 PLATINUM. This new formula features a lighter, creamier consistency for greater workability and an impressive 60-minute open time to allow greater flexibility for installers on the job site. Additionally, a 25lb (11.3kg) bag of 254 PLATINUM™ Plus offers the same coverage as a standard 50lb (22.6kg) bag of adhesive mortar.

“We understand that whether you’re a professional contractor, architect or a DIY enthusiast, productivity and performance are paramount. 254 PLATINUM Plus not only delivers on both fronts, but its smooth, creamy consistency and lightweight formula ensures it’s easy to work with,” said Jonathan Scott, LATICRETE Senior Product Manager.

The new formula exceeds ANSI A118.15 requirements, the industry’s highest performance standard for cement-based adhesive mortars, making it ideal for any interior, exterior or submerged installations in commercial and residential projects. 254 PLATINUM Plus is UL Greenguard-certified for low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formulated without silica sand to ensure safer and healthier environments for contractors and end-users.

For greater peace of mind, the formula incorporates Microban^® antimicrobial product protection to help prevent odor- and stain-causing bacteria and is backed by the LATICRETE best-in-class lifetime system warranty.

For more information, visit laticrete.com/254-platinum-plus. 

TROY, Mich. (Aug. 17, 2023) –   Goldfish Swim School Franchising, LLC, recognized five fin-tastic franchisees at its second annual School Leadership Summit in Troy, Michigan, earlier this month. The event provides school leadership teams and owners the opportunity to connect, celebrate successes and milestones, and share learnings and best practices. 

The Franchise Team, with help from brand ambassador and Olympic gold medalist Cullen Jones, presented the five Core Value Awards to schools who embody the unique set of values that have made Goldfish Swim School a leader in its category and communities: 

• Going Above and Beyond to Create a Golden Experience – Larisa and Jeff Posner,  Goldfish Swim School –  Springfield, New Jersey
• Providing Wow! Customer Service – Gilbride Ownership Group, Goldfish Swim School – North Canton, Ohio
• Treating People with Integrity, Compassion & Trust – Gina Thomas, Goldfish Swim School – Winter Park, Florida
• Meeting & Exceeding Expectations so you see Extraordinary Results – BHB Ownership Group, Goldfish Swim School – Canton, Michigan
• Making a Big Deal out of Life’s Accomplishments by Remembering to Celebrate – Wyckoff Ownership Group, Goldfish Swim School – Boise, Idaho  

Strengthening the core of the Goldfish Swim School franchise, the brand entrusts franchisees to integrate these guiding principles into both the day-to-day operations of their swim schools and within their local communities. 

“It brings us great joy to engage with, recognize and celebrate our franchisees from all over North America. We appreciate their relentless dedication to living and demonstrating our core values in their communities and in their schools.” said Chris McCuiston, CEO & Co-Founder of Goldfish Swim School Franchising, LLC. “Through their efforts, we’re able to teach more than 200,000 kids how to be safer in and around the water each week, and we’re eager to witness the continued growth of our franchisees and the brand.” 

While all together, the brand also celebrated the milestone grand opening of Goldfish Swim School’s 150th school in Astoria, New York in June. The school is owned and operated by the brand’s first franchisees, BHB Group, led by Katie Lee and Hope and Brian Bayer. This is BHB Group’s 20th open school across seven states: Michigan, Indiana, Florida, Ohio, Oklahoma, New York and Maryland. 

Adding to this momentum, Goldfish Swim school proudly commemorated the addition of drowning prevention advocate and World Champion Swimmer Ryan Murphy, alongside his parents Pat and Katy Murphy, and grandfather, Mike Sullivan, who plan to open Goldfish Swim School – Saint Johns, near his hometown in Florida. The school is slated for a spring 2024 opening.  

Goldfish Swim School continues to lead the way in franchising for children’s swim schools.  This year, the brand achieved the top spot in the Children’s Swimming Lessons category and secured the 69th position overall in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500. It also received recognition among the top 200 franchises and was distinguished as a leading Recession-Proof Franchise by Franchise Business Review. 

With now more than 150 locations open and an additional 150+ schools in development, the brand remains focused on its strategic franchise expansion across North America.  

Franchise opportunities remain available in Dallas, TX, throughout California and in Canada. For more information on Goldfish Swim School and its franchising opportunities, please visit https://www.goldfishswimschool.com/franchise-opportunities/ or call 248-801-1850.  

About Goldfish Swim School:   

Founded in 2006 by husband-and-wife team Chris and Jenny McCuiston, Troy, Michigan-based Goldfish Swim School provides swim lessons and water safety instruction to infants and children aged four months to 12 years. Classes are led by specially trained instructors in a safe, child-friendly environment using a research-based philosophy called The Science of SwimPlay®. Since opening its first franchised location in 2009, the brand has grown to 150+ schools in 30+ states, with an additional 150+ in development. Goldfish is ranked No. 69 overall in Entrepreneur’s 2023 Franchise 500^® and has been recognized as the No. 1 provider of children’s swimming lessons  for seven consecutive years, was named to Franchise Times’ Top 500 for 2022 and is rated as a Top Franchise by Franchise Business Review for 2023. Goldfish Swim School is currently in the process of expanding franchise opportunities throughout North America. For information on franchising, go to www.goldfishswimschool.com/franchising-opportunities.