TALLAHASSEE – The Sarasota-based Florida Swimming Pool Association
(FSPA) and its Florida
Swims Foundation announced they’re pursuing an appropriation from the State
of Florida to fund childhood swim lessons.
House
Bill 4245 is a $200,000 Appropriations request for the Florida Swims
Foundation to support and expand existing childhood swimming lesson programs in
Broward, Hillsborough, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties. These
counties have some of the highest childhood drowning rates in Florida.
“Ultimately, the top priority for us and the Florida Swims
Foundation is to reduce the drowning rate in our state and funding more
childhood swimming lessons is the first step in the process,” said Jim Bingold,
FSPA president. “Swimming is an essential life skill for children that will
save lives.”
Bingold mentioned this being just the first step in a larger
effort from the Florida Swims Foundation and FSPA. The goal with their
appropriation is to identify and multiply the effectiveness of childhood learn
to swim programs that have the potential to be scaled up for statewide
implementation.
The Florida Swims Foundation (Swimming Pool Education and
Safety Foundation) funds swimming lessons throughout Florida and the
dissemination of safety information and materials. In 2017 in partnership with
local Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA) chapters, provided $27,095 in
grants for swimming lessons.
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FSPA Receives Bill Number for Authored Swim Lessons Legislation
