Florida Legislators Propose Swim Lesson Vouchers For Low-Income Families

In response to the alarming statistics revealing that drowning is the leading cause of death among children aged four or younger in Florida, two dedicated legislators, Sen. Travis Hutson and Rep. Demi Busatta Cabrera, have introduced a swim lesson vouchers system. Since 2020, a staggering 256 children in this age group have tragically lost their lives to drowning in the Sunshine State. The proposed legislation, SB 544/581, is designed to create a voucher system within the Department of Health, offering swimming lessons to low-income families with young children.

Swim Lesson Vouchers – Key Legislation Components

Targeted Assistance: The legislation specifically targets families with one or more children aged four and under, whose income falls within 200% of the federal poverty level. By focusing on this demographic, the program aims to address the disproportionate impact of drowning incidents in lower-income households.

Department of Health Oversight: The Department of Health would play a central role in administering the program, contracting with a network of swimming lesson vendors to facilitate the distribution of vouchers. This ensures a coordinated effort to reach families in need and connect them with reputable swim education providers.

Geared Towards Prevention: Sen. Hutson emphasizes a shift in focus from physical pool safety measures to proactive prevention through swimming lessons. By imparting essential swimming skills to high-risk children, the program aims to significantly reduce the incidence of drowning, ultimately saving lives.

No Appropriation, Diverse Funding Sources: The proposed legislation, slated to take effect on July 1, 2024, does not include a specific appropriation. However, it opens the door for funding from multiple sources, indicating that vouchers could be paid for by the state or through private and public grants. This versatile funding approach enhances the sustainability and scalability of the program.

Addressing Florida’s Pool Landscape

Florida boasts more than 1.5 million residential pools, making it a state with one pool for approximately every 14 residents. Acknowledging this reality, the legislators recognize the need for a comprehensive approach to water safety beyond physical pool barriers. The voucher program aims to bridge the gap by directly equipping children with the ability to swim, a life skill crucial for their safety in a state with such abundant water resources.

“There is nothing more important to parents than the health and well-being of their children, that’s why we’ve taken a giant step towards providing greater access to swimming lessons for young children in Florida.  This common sense, but significant bill aims to eliminate youth drowning deaths in Florida and ensure every child is equipped with the ability to swim in our state.”

Rep. Demi Busatta Cabrera

Sen. Travis Hutson and Rep. Demi Busatta Cabrera’s proposed voucher program represents a proactive and targeted response to a critical issue affecting Florida’s youngest residents. With child drowning incidents reaching alarming numbers, the legislation offers a tangible solution by making swim education accessible to families facing economic challenges.

“In the past, we’ve focused on how to physically make pools safer, but this bill is going to save lives by actually teaching high-risk kids how to swim,”

Sen. Travis Hutson

By prioritizing prevention over remediation and leveraging diverse funding sources, this initiative holds the potential to save lives and ensure that every child in Florida has the opportunity to learn the essential skill of swimming. The proposed legislation aims for a safer and more inclusive future for the Sunshine State’s children.