MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Miami-Dade County has announced its “Zero Drownings” initiative giving free swim lessons to children.
The program, a collaboration between private and public partners, will offer year-round swimming lessons to kindergartners most in need.
The county kicked off the program by offering children free swimming lessons at Marva Y. Bannerman Park Pool in Brownsville on Tuesday.
The goal is to reach 20,000 children within three years.
According to event organizers, the countywide swim safety program will utilize the American Red Cross-certified curriculum and will take place at public or private water safety swim provider locations during the school day.
“Drownings have become the leading cause of death in Miami-Dade County for children ages one to nine, but studies show that participation in formal swim lessons can reduce that risk by 88%” a Miami-Dade County news release stated.
Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces is also offering a host of swimming classes for any skill level.
For more information, CLICK HERE.
The Florida Department of Health provides free swim coupons to residents, along with a new lifeguard and swim instructor scholarship program to help fulfill the swim instructor shortage.
For more information, visit: watersmartbroward.org.
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