MIAMI – Florida leads the nation in child drownings. We are surrounded by beautiful bodies of water and its why swim safety is more than a story. It’s a priority for us.
In this “Swim South Florida” story, Local 10′s Nicole Perez has introduced us to a man who has made that his priority, offering free swim classes in Miami.
Keith Bell founded the “Learn to Swim” program in Miami. For him teaching children how to swim is personal.
“I am a first responder, so when we get those calls of a kid drowning, you know your heart rate goes from 0 to 100 in a matter of seconds,” said Bell.
Bell is the president of the Progressive Firefighters Association. He knew he had to do something to make sure more South Florida children are safe in and around the water.
“The cost of this program is absolutely free. It’s free. And that’s why parents should be involved making sure kids get these free swimming lessons,” said Bell.
Bell launched the program, available to all children in the City of Miami.
The program is funded by the Children’s Trust and so far, it has helped at least 3,000 children learn how to swim.
“It means the world to me, because I was one of those kids that didn’t know how to swim and almost lost my life as a child. So, it really gives me great pleasure to come out and see these kids learning how to swim,” said Aundray Adams, Community Engagement Manager, The Children’s Trust.
Apryl Thompson has been taking her son Chase to the program every summer since he was four and now, he’s 12 years old.
“For me, living in Miami-Dade County in Florida, so much water around, and I wanted to be comfortable with him being able to go to pools, go to the beach, go hangout with friends and know that he would be able to survive if there was ever any kind of water accident,” said Thompson.
Bell said his number one goal is to reduce the number of drownings in South Florida.
“Swimming is not just another sport. It’s a lifesaving skill and people really need to take this seriously. We are in Florida. We are surrounded by water. Everybody, including the parents need to know some sort of water safety,” said Bell.
“Your children come out. It changes their lives, and it changes your life as well. In a positive way,” said Thompson.
Anyone who lives in Miami can sign up for the free swim lessons. For more information, click on this link.
Swim South Florida consists of public service announcements and news stories that will air on Local 10 News and across all our digital platforms.
CLICK HERE to read all of Local 10 News’ Swim South Florida news stories and announcements.