Too often, we hear stories of moments that almost ended in tragedy - close calls that could have changed everything. In this episode, swimming legend Michael Phelps sits down with Jassen, a franchise owner of A Safe Pool, to discuss how he started the business and why helping families protect their kids is so fulfilling.
They dive into real-life “close call” stories, the growing awareness around drowning prevention, educating kids, and how parents today are more open to taking water safety seriously than ever before.
From installing pool fences to teaching kids why boundaries matter, Michael and Jassen explore how small steps make a big difference.“Don’t wait for a wake-up call. Add the layer before it’s too late,” Michael reminds us. This conversation is a must-listen for every parent, caregiver, and anyone who wants to keep kids safe around water.
In this episode, Jason and Nicole dive into the importance of multiple layers of protection for water safety. Nicole shares her family’s approach, starting with a double-door lock, an A Safe Pool fence, and open conversations with her kids. Jason highlights how water safety isn’t just about toddlers - older kids can be just as vulnerable, and even pets and visiting friends can create unexpected risks.
They discuss the frustrating reality that drowning numbers remain high, sharing some heartbreaking stories of children lost due to drowning. Through these stories, they underscore the value of layered safety measures and the reality that no single precaution is foolproof. Jason expresses gratitude for MPF and their mission to make kids safer around water, emphasizing that while we can’t make children completely safe, we can significantly reduce risk.
Learn about their efforts to expand water safety programs - $5,000 helps bring a program to a Boys & Girls Club, and they’ve already set up 232 clubs nationwide in partnership with swim safety programs. Support their mission and donate at asafepool.com/donate.
In this powerful episode, Nicole Phelps sits down with Michelle Zieg, who courageously shares the heartbreaking story of losing her son, Brayden, to drowning. With strength and vulnerability, Michelle reflects on her unimaginable loss and her mission to ensure no other family has to experience the same pain. Together, Nicole and Michelle shed light on the reality that drowning is silent, fast, and preventable. Through awareness, education, and action, we honor Brayden’s memory and continue the fight to protect children everywhere and raise awareness on water safety.
From building confidence in the water to creating a culture of safety, swimming legend Michael Phelps and pool safety advocate Tonja Howard dive deep into what it means to feel both safe and strong around water. In this episode, Michael shares how swimming gave him everything - and why water safety is now his mission. Tonja opens up about A Safe Pool’s efforts to protect children and families from preventable tragedies. Together, they explore why teaching kids to respect the water is just as important as teaching them to swim.
But the conversation doesn’t stop there. Michael and Tonja also discuss the critical role of mental health — both in and out of the pool. They share how their own parenting journeys are focused on breaking generational cycles, teaching kids it’s okay to not be okay, and creating safer futures physically and emotionally.
Whether you’re a parent, coach, or water safety advocate, this episode is a powerful reminder: supervision alone isn’t enough. True protection begins with education, heightened awareness, and multiple layers of safety working together. And just as we teach physical safety, we must also guide our children in understanding and caring for their mental health -building emotional resilience that protects them in and out of the water.