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PHTA Leads Capitol Hill Fly-in in Support of SWT/H2B Visas
- Oct 6, 2022
The PHTA SWT/H2B Coalition met with seven Senate and Congressional offices over two days discussing the importance of the summer work travel program on the seasonal swimming pool industry. PHTA hosted the group and facilitated opportunities for Coalition members to share their stories with Senate and Congressional offices about the importance that the Summer Work Travel (SWT) program has on communities across the United States. The Coalition also advocated for House Resolution 901, which expresses the cultural and economic importance of the Bridge USA/J-1 visa program, and the need for prompt State Department processing of students who work as lifeguards at pools across the country.
The USA/J-1 visa program, managed by the State Department, allows global exchange visitors an opportunity to experience cultures within the United States. Program participants are very important to the seasonal pool industry, as the supply of local workers does not always meet the lifeguarding needs during peak season. Through the SWT program, pool management companies host college students from outside the country and promote an exchange of cultures and ideas through temporary work and travel opportunities. The students, who are placed as pool lifeguards, consistently enjoy a safe and rewarding experience. In addition to the after-work cultural activities organized by the sponsors and host employers, participants form meaningful relationships with their supervisors and coworkers, as well as the children and adults who swim at the pools they guard.
These programs are a win for student participants, a win for their hosts, and a win for the American people. Through the program, local communities are provided safe spaces for families to swim and recreate in the summer.
If you would like to learn more about the Coalition's efforts or find out how to get involved, contact Jason Davidson, PHTA Director of Government Relations, at jdavidson@phta.org or 703-838-0083, ext. 165.
The Coalition met with representatives from Georgia Representative Tim Scott's Office. Shown from left to right: Jeff Gormada, Premier Aquatics; Viktor Nekoranee, High Sierra Pools; Doug Winkler, Winkler Pool Management; Laurie Flanagan, DCLRS; Jason Davidson, PHTA; Radek Kaczor, High Sierra Pools.
Members of the Coalition met with representatives from Maryland Representative Jamie Raskin's office. Shown from left to right: Rachel Marshall, staffer from Representative Raskin's office; Radek Kaczor, High Sierra Pools; Laurie Flanagan, DCLRS; Jeff Gormada, Premier Aquatics; Jason Davidson, PHTA; Doug Winkler, Winkler Pool Management; Omar Hernandez, DCLRS.
Members of the Coalition met with representatives from Georgia Representative Henry Johnson's office. Shown from left to right: Omar Hernandez, DCLRS; Jocilyn Gilbert, staffer from Representative Johnson's office; Jason Davidson, PHTA; Radek Kaczor, High Sierra Pools; Jeff Gormada, Premier Aquatics; Laurie Flanagan, DCLRS; Doug Winkler, Winkler Pool Management.
Members of the Coalition met with representatives from Georgia Representative Earl Carter's office. Shown from left to right: Radek Kaczor, High Sierra Pools; Viktor Nekoranee, High Sierra Pools; Jeff Gormada, Premier Aquatics; Doug Winkler, Winkler Pool Management; Jason Davison, PHTA; Tommy Reynolds, staffer from Representative Carter's office.
Coalition Members and staff take in the rainy day from the east side of the United States Capitol. Shown from left to right: Doug Winkler, Jeff Gormada, Laurie Flanagan, Jason Davidson, Radek Kaczor, David Beaudreau.
Coalition Members Jeff Gormada and Doug Winkler stand on the second floor of the Cannon House Office Building.
Members of the Coalition met with representatives from Virginia U.S. Senator Mark Warner's office. Shown from left to right: Radek Kaczor, High Sierra Pools; Jason Davidson, PHTA; Jeff Gormada, Premier Aquatics; Doug Winkler, Winkler Pool Management; Kate Landers, staffer from U.S. Senator Warner's office; Viktor Nekoranee, High Sierra Pools.
