Splash Foundation
61% of kids can't swim.
Our goal is to change that!
Splash Foundation is taking action NOW! Drowning is the #1 cause of death among 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)
An increasing number of drownings involve autistic kids. (the Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County) In fact, 1/3 of the 119 Florida kids that drowned last year were autistic. (Autism Society of Florida)
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.
Florida drowning rates are the highest in the US. Let's put an end to this. 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 relays 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. The CDC has indicated that nearly all drowning deaths of those under 1 are in bathtubs versus pools.
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." (per the AAP)
We respectfully ask the Florida Legislature to consider establishing a Florida swim voucher program for under-resourced elementary school kids. Raising the eligibility age would also better cover autistic kids as they tend to be a little older when they drown. We are grateful for your support!
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). Let's adjust the FL swim voucher eligibility age to be consistent with national guidelines for the YMCA and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
A small legislative change could notably reduce the over 100 drowning deaths per year among Florida's kids. You can learn more about the Splash Foundation here. Contact us here. Any size donation is appreciated!
