Publication: National Drowning Prevention Alliance
In today’s world, for-profit companies have a unique opportunity to impact societal issues significantly, leveraging their resources to reach and create positive change. Life Saver Pool Fence is a company that has dedicated itself to drowning prevention while operating within the competitive business landscape. This commitment to a vital cause highlights the potential for businesses to blend profitability with a greater purpose, ensuring their success benefits the broader community.
We are proud to recognize Eric Lupton, the CEO of Life Saver Pool Fence, as our Water Safety Champion of the Month for July.
From Family Legacy to Lifesaving Mission
Eric’s journey with Life Saver Pool Fence began in 1987 when his father, Robert Lupton, founded the company. It began as a baby-proofing business, but numerous encounters with parents who had children suffering from drowning-related incidents prompted a shift to pool safety. Eric’s father even coined the term “layers of protection” to emphasize the multi-faceted approach needed to prevent drowning. Eric, who has cerebral palsy, grew up surrounded by stories of children with similar symptoms caused by drowning.
In 2003, he assumed the role of President, bringing over a decade of experience to Life Saver Pool Fence. At just 21 years old, he became the industry’s youngest chief executive, taking on the responsibility of managing the company’s day-to-day operations. Under his leadership and his father’s legacy, Life Saver Pool Fence has been at the forefront of drowning prevention.
Eric, along with Life Saver Pool Fence, has been featured in Forbes, Extreme Home Makeover, and Good Morning America. Their patented fencing even won the 2010 Parents’ Choice Award for Best Pool Safety Product.
Their products come with a 100-year warranty, featuring a quad-stitch border and mesh that guarantees no unraveling, a virtually unclimbable design, and the only solid core pole in the industry. They introduced the self-closing, self-latching gate in 1989 and continue to lead with innovative safety features.
With dealers across the country and in over 15 countries spanning five continents, Life Saver Pool Fence launched its franchise option in 2023, further expanding its reach and impact.
Beyond the Pool: Education and Advocacy
Life Saver Pool Fence doesn’t just provide physical barriers to the water; they are actively invested in water safety education and advocacy. The company partners with the ReesSpecht Life Foundation to put on the F*CK Drowning Summit, an event open to families who have lost children to drowning, covering all hotel costs to ensure their participation. This summit is a cornerstone of their educational initiatives, providing a platform for shared experiences and learning.
Eric and his team are also prolific on social media, spending nearly $1.5 million last year on online marketing, much of which was educational content aimed at raising water safety awareness. Partnering with Rich Specht from ReesSpecht Life, they have produced impactful videos featuring families who have lost children to drowning, further spreading their vital message.
Eric also goes beyond business to make a significant impact on the community through various philanthropic initiatives with Life Saver Pool Fence:
Save A Life Program: This pool fence donation program ensures that for every pool fence purchased, Life Saver Pool Fence donates fencing to families affected by a fatal or non-fatal drowning incident.
The Little Angels Program: This heartfelt initiative honors children lost to drowning by sending gifts to their parents on their birthdays, along with a tribute post on social media.
Financial Support for Water Safety Causes: Life Saver Pool Fence has committed to sponsoring every drowning prevention event in the United States for the entirety of 2024.
F*CK Drowning Summit Sponsorship: The company sponsors families of children lost to drowning to attend the F*CK Drowning Summit, covering all related costs to support these families.
Eric also reinvests all Life Saver Pool Fence profits into water safety education, events, and donations. Their motto, “Keeping little feet on solid ground,” underscores their commitment to safety and prevention.
The Future of Water Safety
Eric envisions a future where water safety practice and awareness are as commonplace as wearing bike helmets. He believes the key to reducing drowning incidents lies in continued awareness campaigns and educating children directly. Just as bike helmets have become a norm due to persistent advocacy, Eric hopes that pool safety measures will become a universally accepted standard as well.
Thank You For Making A Difference In Water Safety!
Eric Lupton has shown dedication to water safety and his innovative approach to drowning prevention makes him a true champion in the fight to save lives. For more information on Life Saver Pool Fence and their initiatives, visit https://www.poolfence.com.
Publication: National Drowning Prevention Alliance
