Splash Foundation is taking action NOW! Drowning is the #1 cause of death of Florida kids under 9. Our goal is to turn non-swimmers into swimmers!

Our swimming lessons not only build skills and confidence, the kids have a great time!

Special thanks to our donors: YMCA, Publix, Target, Costco, Panera, and the Pollination Project!
 

Too many kids in Florida do not know how to swim. 79% of kids in under-resourced families are non-swimmers.  (U.S. Swimming Foundation). 

Thousands of children are are vulnerable to death by drowning in the many pools, lakes, retaining ponds, and waterways of Florida, not to mention the Atlantic Ocean with our 8,436 miles of shoreline. Drowning is the #1 cause of death for kids under 9.  Let's make water fun and safe for all kids! ​​

Thankfully, Florida has a swim voucher program for under-resourced kids that are 0-4 years old.  However, we would like to point out that:

1. The Northeast Florida YMCA relayed to us that babies 0-2 years are a bit too young to learn to swim, and are also too young to use the generally allotted time of 30 to 45-minute sessions in the Florida swim voucher program. 

2. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has stated, "There is currently no evidence that infant swim programs for babies under 1 year old lower their drowning risk. Infants this age may show reflex "swimming" movements but can't yet raise their heads out of the water well enough to breathe. Studies suggest that water survival skills training (with parents), and swim lessons can help reduce drowning risk for children between ages 1-4. "​ Parental supervision remains key for this age level.

"By their 4th birthday, most children are ready for swim lessons. At this age, they usually can learn basic water survival skills such as floating, treading water and getting to an exit point. By age 5 or 6, most children in swim lessons can master the front crawl." Consequently, the money is better spent at these age levels as kids from 4-7 years old will actually learn to swim, eliminating drowning risk for this age segment.

 

We respectfully ask the Florida Legislature to consider providing Florida's swim voucher program to under-resourced elementary school kids.

We are advocating for the FL swim voucher program to be adjusted to fund swimming lessons for kids ages one to seven - this is the age in which kids can benefit most from swim instruction (per the AAP), and are more vulnerable to drowning (Florida Department of Health).

A small legislative change could significantly reduce the 100+ drowning deaths per year among Florida's kids.  You can learn more about the Splash Foundation for Florida Youth here.  Contact us here.  Any size donation is appreciated!  ​

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