The USA Swimming Foundation has teamed up with five-time Olympic gold medallist and world record holder Missy Franklin, and SafeSplash Brands, the largest franchiser of premium, warm water learn-to-swim schools throughout North America, to launch a new programme.

Ripples to Waves is designed to help more than 2500 children learn to swim each year, regardless of their ability to pay for lessons. Franklin commented 'I'm extremely passionate about the Ripples to Waves program and creating more opportunities for children to learn to swim and feel confident and happy in the water. This passion is what sparked my partnership with SafeSplash at the start. The good that will be done by the Ripples to Waves program and the USA Swimming Foundation will be long-lasting and is a great example of why I'm proud to be part of this team'.