HAMMER HEAD® SWIM CAP, THE FIRST PRO-ACTIVE DEFENSE FOR SWIMMERS
Courtesy:SwimSwam, a Hammer Head partner
Head safety of our swimmers is top of mind for parents, coaches and athletes with the implementation of Concussion Protocol Training (CPT) across all states by major organizations like USA Swimming and the National Federation of High Schools Association. Obviously, head and water safety are our main priorities, but how do we convey that through action and implantation?
What makes the swimming pool a dangerous place?
We all know of the inherent risks in swimming like novice swimmers learning the backstroke, daydreamers doing circle turns and flip turns, five-meter flags blowing in the wind and crowded practice and warm-up lanes. Alongside this, there are always those few swimmers who aren’t paying attention to what they are doing. All of these scenarios make for a greater likelihood of head strikes and injuries, and this is especially dangerous for the young (12 & under) developing brain.
What is the seriousness of head injuries in the swimming pool?
Most discouraging is the fact that many underwater head strikes go UNDETECTED and UNREPORTED. We are learning of new neurodegenerative diseases that surface long after an accidental and unseen head strike in the pool occurs. It is like the old Chiquita Banana slogan, “a bump on the outside means a bruise on the inside.” Today, with more and more swimmers taking swimming to the next competitive level and those who are sculpting themselves to fit the physical physique of a swimmer, safety should be at the forefront of professional development in terms of performance and speed. It is important to remember that it only takes one head injury to end a swim career.
How have Hammer Head Swim Caps been proactive in terms of water safety?
In a survey we conducted in November of 2019, one of our key findings was that 91.8% of parents would take steps to protect their swimmer’s head if they knew of a solution. Luckily, this high percentage of parents have an affordable/ high-tech solution. The Hammer Head® Swim Cap is the FIRST pro-active defense for swimmers. Together, the whole swimming community safely put their heads together to make swimming safer! Make sure you do your part to keep yourself and those you love safe in the water by looking at the health, safety and performance benefits of the Hammer Head swimming cap.
Who else thinks Hammer Head Swim Caps improve performance and water safety?
Three-time Olympic gold medalist and U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame member Rowdy Gaines has endorsed the Hammer Head swim cap because of the amazing benefits that it has brought to swimmers all over the world. “I have spent my whole life working to educate athletes and families on the importance of staying safe in, and around, water.,” said Gains. “As much as we love seeing our children and young athletes enjoy recreational or competitive swimming, it’s critical that we all understand the risks of head injuries and concussions are just as great as they are on the football or soccer field. Swimming is a contact sport. And we need to protect swimmers. It’s just that simple.”
Where did Hammer Head Swimming Caps come from?
Like all great innovations, Hammer Head started with an ah-ha moment! In 2013, David Burns was coaching a swim team practice at a local country club pool with 40 kids in the pool when Madeline, his daughter, hit her head on the wall doing a backstroke finish. She started crying in pain. While David and his other coaches checked on her another, older swimmer hit her head even harder – and had to leave the pool with what turned out to be a minor concussion. Later David remarked, “what do I need to do to protect you – get you a helmet?” Madeline replied “PLEASE!” and the idea for the Hammer Head Swim Cap was born.
As if meant to be, co-founder Theresa and her husband Ken, swim club parents with experience in both product engineering and sports apparel brand marketing were sitting poolside. Everyone knew David was on to something.
Fast forward to today. David, a 20-year experienced swim coach and successful entrepreneur along with Theresa, a sports brand marketing and business development strategist are co-founders of Mako International, LLC. The company was created to design, manufacture and market Hammer Head Swim Caps in the United States and abroad. Together our mission is to reduce aquatic athlete head injuries one cap at a time.
