The Sporting Good Manufacturing Association partners with five other organizations to ascertain activity popularity. In 2011, they measured the activity of different age groups hope or wish to do (aspirational activity) for seven age groups ranging from six to 65+ years of age. "Swimming for fitness" was in the top three aspirational activities for EVERY age group. In fact, "swimming for fitness" was the leading aspirational activity for the 6-12 and the 65+ age groups. US census data suggests that the 65+ age group will increase from about 39.5 million July 1, 2009) to about $88.5 million (2050), according to the US Census Bureau. This finding demonstrates there is substantial interest throughout the population.
The above data was shared at the Learn-To-Swim Innovator Meeting in Colorado Springs Colorado on April 25, 2012. This meeting was sponsored by the National Swimming Pool Foundation.