In 1950, Tongay staged a swimming performance by his children in the Mississippi River, 22 miles away from St. Louis. Tongay followed in a boat while his children swam along the river. Kathy, aged 2, swam 5 miles and Bubba, aged 4, swam the entire 22 miles to St. Louis. The performance was recorded by gathered reporters and served as a national introduction for the two children. Tongay then announced that his children would swim across the English Channel.
The publicity surrounding the Aquatots continued to increase after their return from Europe. The children were featured in newsreels and made a cameo appearance in the 1952 musical film Skirts Ahoy!, starring Esther Williams.
Both Kathy and Bubba were accomplished platform divers. In May 1953, Kathy Tongay attempted to complete a one-and-a-half layout dive from a height of 33 feet at Miami's Macfadden-Deauville Pool. Her attempt failed and she ended up bellyflopping. Afterward, she complained of back pain. Tongay then took her to the Treasure Isle Pool, a pool at which the children trained five days a week.
