VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Jan. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Swimways Corp., a leading manufacturer of pool and outdoor recreational products, announced today that it has acquired the product lines of privately held Opa Cove LLC, including its entire line of Sea Squirts™ U.S. Coast Guard Certified Life Jackets and Swim Assist Vests for children. With its patented design, Sea Squirts™ feature a stitched in, easy-to-grab rubber fish-like fin that makes wearing a flotation or swim aid device fun for kids and reassuring for parents.

“This acquisition is consistent with Swimways’ ongoing strategy to bring meaningful innovation to the pool and marine markets,” said David Arias, Swimways president. “The addition of Sea Squirts provides us with a high quality product line in keeping with what consumers have come to expect of Swimways, and provides us with an opportunity to strengthen our footprint in the marine market.”

“The Sea Squirts™ brand will benefit from the expertise and global presence of Swimways as an industry leader,” said Richard Barbis, president of Opa Cove. “Opa Cove aligns well with Swimways because they are passionate about making sure kids are safe in and around the water and believe learning to swim is an important life skill.”

Barbara Hyder, Swimways vice president of marketing, said, “Kids typically resist wearing life jackets and swim vests. But show a parent or a child a Sea Squirts™ Pink Dolphin Life Jacket or White Shark Swim Vest, and they’re sold. The fin serves as a fun dress-up toy for kids and a secure grab-me device for the parent. Sea Squirts™ are artfully designed for all day comfort, safety and fun.”

The acquisition joins Opa Cove with other brands currently held by Swimways Corp.: SwimWays, COOP and Kelsyus.

About Swimways
Based in Virginia Beach, Va., Swimways is a privately owned leisure and recreational water products manufacturer whose mission is making free time more fun through innovation. It is a company rich in traditional values and respected for the quality and integrity of its products and services. Swimways has distribution in more than 40,000 storefronts globally and has evolved into a worldwide leader in recreational water products. For more information about Swimways, visit www.swimways.com.

SOURCE Swimways Corp.