Florida Offers Free Swim Lessons to Prevent Childhood Drowning
Applications are open now through September 1st!
The Florida Department of Health has launched its annual Swimming Lesson Voucher Program, offering free swimming lessons to eligible Florida families in an effort to combat childhood drowning—the leading cause of unintentional death among children ages 1–4 in the state.
Applications for the 2025 program are open from August 4 through September 1, with priority given to families with children who have autism and those in active military service. However, all qualifying families are encouraged to apply during the application window.
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Child must be age 4 or younger at the time of application
Household income must not exceed 200% of the federal poverty level
Must be a Florida resident
Each voucher covers eight swimming sessions with a certified local instructor, typically completed over two weeks.
The program highlights the significance of water safety for all families in Florida. Drowning can occur swiftly and silently, even in shallow water or familiar environments like home bathtubs, pools, or natural water bodies.
To apply for a voucher or learn more about becoming a certified swim instructor, visit WaterSmartFL.com. The site also includes resources and QR codes for direct access to applications.
By increasing access to swim education, the state hopes to save lives and raise awareness that water safety is everyone’s responsibility.
