Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital Donation Expands Drowning Prevention Efforts in Manatee and Sarasota Counties
Big Dreams Through Small Steps has received a donation from Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital to support its AQUAlibrium Drowning Prevention Program, helping more children gain access to lifesaving swim lessons and water safety education.
The contribution comes at a critical time for the nonprofit’s signature drowning prevention initiative. Originally designed to serve dozens of local children, the 2026 AQUAlibrium program received an overwhelming response from families, with over 500 children applying for scholarships. The demand far exceeded available funding, creating a substantial waitlist of children still seeking access to swim lessons.
The donation from Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital will allow additional children to be removed from the waitlist and enrolled in the program, providing more families with an opportunity to build essential water safety skills at the height of Florida’s swimming season.
AQUAlibrium Drowning Prevention provides free swim lesson scholarships for children in Manatee and Sarasota Counties through partnerships with local swim providers. The program focuses on teaching foundational water survival skills, including floating, reaching a wall, safe pool behavior and confidence in the water. The initiative is designed to reduce the risk of childhood drowning, one of the leading causes of accidental death among young children in Florida.
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital has long been committed to improving the health and safety of children throughout the region. The St. Petersburg-based pediatric hospital serves families across West Central Florida and is recognized for its comprehensive pediatric care, research and community outreach programs aimed at preventing injuries and improving child health outcomes.
The hospital also serves as the lead agency for Safe Kids Florida Suncoast, a regional coalition dedicated to preventing childhood injuries through education, outreach and community partnerships. Safe Kids Florida Suncoast works with local organizations, schools, healthcare providers and public safety agencies to address critical safety issues, including water safety, child passenger safety, bicycle safety, pedestrian safety and injury prevention awareness.
The partnership between Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, the Safe Kids Florida Suncoast and Big Dreams Through Small Steps reflects a shared commitment to preventing childhood drownings and equipping families with the knowledge and resources needed to stay safe around water.
As summer temperatures continue to draw families to pools, beaches and waterways, community leaders say expanding access to swim lessons remains one of the most effective ways to reduce drowning risks. The latest donation will help ensure more children receive those critical skills while moving additional families off the growing AQUAlibrium waitlist.
Big Dreams Through Small Steps officials said community support remains essential as they work to meet unprecedented demand and provide as many children as possible with access to lifesaving water safety education.
