In 2021, with the leadership of Dr. Bill Kent, International Swimming Hall of Fame Chairman of the Board, the Every Child a Swimmer legislation was passed in the state of Florida. It requires all schools in the state to provide parents, when they initially enroll their child in school, with information on the important role water safety education courses and swimming lessons play in saving lives. It also requires schools to include info on local options for age-appropriate swim lessons and how they can receive those lessons for free or at a reduced cost.
This same legislation passed in Georgia and Arkansas in 2023. New York is the next state to consider this life-saving legislation. Senator Cleare introduced this act to amend the education law on May 10, proposing the act to take effect July 1, 2024.
Every Child a Swimmer strives to get this legislation passed in all 50 states, as well as spread education and help fund swim lessons around the world. It’s imperative that every child in the world is educated in water safety and has access to local lessons. Every child deserves to learn this basic survival skill.
Every Child a Swimmer says you can help donate today at https://everychildaswimmer.org/donate/. If you are in need of lessons, you can find a swim school who is offering scholarships based on financial need here: https://everychildaswimmer.org/find-a-lesson/.
