My Pool Pal Makes Family Vacations More Enjoyable

Tuesday June 13, 2006 - -Flotation Swimsuits Keep Children Safer in the Water-

GAINESVILLE, Ga. (June 13, 2006) – As the official beginning of summer and the swimming season kicks off, families across the country plan to spend their family vacations participating in water activities. Family travel is on the rise this summer, according to 79 percent of American Express travel agents polled, and agents identify it as one of the most significantly increasing travel trends for the year.

While family vacations often involve enjoying activities in swimming pools, lakes and other bodies of water, water safety is a major concern for many. Two-thirds of drownings occur in the summer months between May and August, and 40 percent happen on weekends.1 Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children under five, and the second leading cause of accidental death among children under the age of 15.2

Water activities can be more enjoyable and less stressful for families, whether on vacation or at home, when little ones wear an innovative flotation swimwear product, My Pool Pal®. The flotation swimsuits are comfortable for children, give them a natural feeling and keep them stable in the water. The suits allow little ones to learn to swim, become stronger swimmers and have more confidence while participating in water activities. The suits have been endorsed by Swim America, the Learn-to-Swim division of the American Swim Coaches Association.

Unlike other flotation devices, My Pool Pal allows for natural balance with unrestricted movement so the child does not become dependent on the suit. My Pool Pal’s Underwriters Laboratories (UL)-certified foam blocks are sewn securely into the suits, and offer parents a greater sense of security while watching their children play in or around water. The flotation blocks are not removable, which eliminates the possibility of children taking them out of the suits.

While My Pool Pal Flotation Swimsuits are not intended to be life preservers or substitutes for adult supervision, they do offer parents and children increased confidence and safety. A properly sized suit has many benefits, including freedom of motion in all directions and the promotion of muscle development, endurance and coordination required in all levels of swimming.

My Pool Pal suits are made of a nylon/Lycra blend, and are designed for continuous wear in and out of the water. The flotation swimsuits are made in boys and girls styles in a variety of vibrant colors and exclusive patterns. The swimwear is available in sizes extra-small, small, medium and large and will accommodate children ranging in weight from 20 to 70 pounds. Custom-made suits for people with special needs are available in all sizes. The average retail price for My Pool Pal is $55. The products may be purchased online at www.mypoolpal.com.

My Pool Pal products are manufactured and distributed by Sterling Brands, Inc. The company’s products also include Swim-sters® undergarments, swimwear accessories and a U.S. Coast Guard-approved swimwear flotation device, Aqua Force®. For more information on My Pool Pal, visit the company's web site at www.mypoolpal.com or call 1-888-766-5725 (POOLPAL). All trademarks and patents are the proprietary products of Future Products, of Gainesville, Ga.

1 Orange County (Calif.) Fire Authority

2 Safe Kids USA

Angela Southard Winther
Winther Communications
(843) 881-4824
AWinther@winthercommunications.com