Staff Reports | Community Updates
The International Swimming Hall of Fame has named Lisa Zarda, executive director of the U.S. Swim School Association, as the 2025 recipient of the Aquatic & Specialty Award for Highest Standard in Water Safety.
The award was presented on Saturday, Sept. 13, at the annual ISHOF ceremony in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, according to a press release.
The ISHOF award recognizes individuals and organizations worldwide for outstanding dedication to aquatic safety and drowning prevention. The annual honors celebrate those who make competitive and recreational aquatics possible, including lifesavers, educators and advocates for water safety.
In her role at the U.S. Swim School Association, headquartered in Cave Creek, Arizona, Ms. Zarda has been a vocal advocate for drowning prevention, water safety education and legislative reform across the country.
“I’m incredibly honored to receive this award from the International Swimming Hall of Fame,” Ms. Zarda said. “This recognition reflects the hard work of the entire U.S. Swim School Association community and our shared mission to ensure that every child has access to life-saving swim skills. Drowning is preventable, and together we can make a difference.”
Under Ms. Zarda’s leadership, the association has become a national force in promoting early childhood swim education. She has built partnerships that elevate the visibility of swim schools as essential community resources and helped amplify water safety messaging through platforms such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and WebMD.
Her advocacy has extended from Capitol Hill to communities nationwide, supporting legislation, instructor training and public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing accidental drownings—the leading cause of death for children under age 5 and the second leading cause for children ages 5 to 14.
One of Ms. Zarda’s most notable accomplishments was working with the New York Water Safety Coalition to help pass a first-of-its-kind bill requiring all new parents in state hospitals and birthing centers to watch a short, state-approved video about drowning risks before taking their baby home.
“Knowing our best line of defense is to provide education and resources to community members far and wide, while elevating awareness of drowning prevention techniques, is a mission I am extremely passionate about,” Ms. Zarda added.
