Dive Into Summer Safely With AT&T and USA Swimming's 'Make a Splash' Voicemail Campaign

DALLAS, May 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- With the weather warming up across the country and the school year drawing to a close, children of all ages are ready to jump into the pool. AT&T* joins forces with USA Swimming's Foundation to encourage parents to teach their children water safety through the "Make a Splash" campaign.

As a reward for young swimmers who have completed water safety training, AT&T launched a voicemail campaign as a part of USA Swimming's "Make a Splash" initiative. Parents of children who have completed swimming programs can text SPLASH to 56418** to receive an immediate call back. When the parent answers, a message prompts them to hand the phone to their new swimmer to hear a recorded congratulatory message from U.S. Olympic gold medalist Matt Grevers.

"As a company that focuses on connecting people to their passions, we know that safety while practicing those passions is of the highest priority," said Bill Moseley, Director – Corporate Sponsorships. "We're proud to be in the position to help educate and inspire young swimmers through our network."

AT&T-sponsored athlete Grevers will formally announce the launch of the AT&T Voicemail Rewards campaign today at Charlotte Aquatics in North Carolina at 5 p.m. ET. Grevers will also sign autographs and dive into the pool with local swimmers for a swimming tutorial.

"Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death in children under the age of 14," said Debbie Hesse, Executive Director of the USA Swimming Foundation. "Our 'Make a Splash' campaign seeks to reduce youth drowning by teaching children to swim and be safe around the water. We are thrilled to be partnering with AT&T in such a positive way to extend our reach and messaging."

The "Make a Splash" campaign began in 2007 as a national, child-focused water safety initiative of the USA Swimming Foundation. In three years, more than 776,000 kids have gone through Make a Splash swimming lessons, more than 26,000 of them receiving free or discounted lessons. Make a Splash works by aligning the nation's top learn-to-swim providers in an effort to save lives. Currently, there are 380 Make a Splash Local Partners giving free or low-cost water safety instruction in 45 states.

AT&T is the Official Communications Partner of USA Swimming.  As part of this relationship, AT&T connects swimming athletes to coaches, family, friends and fans as they prepare for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. In addition, AT&T serves as the Official Communications Sponsor of the US Olympic and Paralympic Teams.  

Additional information about AT&T's sponsorship of USA Swimming, and Team USA is available at http://att.net/teamusa. For more information on AT&T's products and services, visit http://www.att.com.

* AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

**Standard text messaging rates apply.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.

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About the USA Swimming Foundation

The USA Swimming Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm of USA Swimming. Established in 2004, the Foundation works to strengthen the sport by saving lives and building champions. Whether we're equipping our children with the life-saving skill of learn-to-swim, or providing financial support to our heroes on the U.S. National Team, the USA Swimming Foundation aims to provide the wonderful experience of swimming to kids at all levels across the country. The Foundation also serves as the home for our National and Olympic Team Alumni reunions and regional events. The development efforts of the USA Swimming Foundation aim to establish an endowment to strengthen the future of USA Swimming's programs and services. To learn more, visit www.swimfoundation.org

SOURCE AT&T Inc.