Paragon Pools, Float Like A Duck Receive Step Into Swim Grant

Representatives from Paragon Pools and its Float Like A Duck water safety initiative joined Olympic gold medalist Rowdy Gaines and officials from the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance for a ceremonial Step Into Swim grant presentation during the 2025 International Pool | Spa | Patio Expo in Las Vegas.

Paragon Pools/Float Like A Duck received an $8,000 Step Into Swim grant from PHTA, which was distributed to two Las Vegas organizations: the City of Las Vegas Recreation and Aquatics Division ($5,000) and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Student Recreation and Wellness Center Aquatics Department ($3,000). The funds will provide free swimming lessons for at-risk youth in the community.

In attendance was Rowdy Gaines, Olympic gold medalist and PHTA Step Into Swim representative; Scott Frost, Heritage Pool Supply Group and PHTA chair; and Sabeena Hickman, PHTA president and CEO. Representing Paragon Pools and Float Like A Duck was Joseph M. Vassallo, president of Paragon Pools and a PHTA Fellow. Representatives from both recipient organizations also participated in the ceremony.

Since its inception, Float Like A Duck has received five Step Into Swim grants totaling $31,000, all of which have been distributed to Las Vegas Valley organizations to fund no-cost swimming lessons. Nearly 2,000 children have participated in the program, gaining vital water safety and swimming skills.

For more information, visit paragonpoolslv.com/float-like-a-duck.