Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death in children between the ages of 1 and 4, amounting to 75 Florida children in 2021 alone.
Swimming lessons are a great tool for infants and toddlers to learn this vital skill, but not all families can afford them.
In an effort to increase access, the state recently passed into law a swimming lesson voucher program to help income-eligible families access these life-saving services.
Spectrum News speaks to the bill’s lead sponsor to learn more about this new program and discuss other important water safety guidelines for all parents of small children to heed as we head into summer swim season.
GUESTS:
- State Sen. Travis Hutson [R], District 7, Palm Coast
- Brent Moore, Executive Director, Children’s Safety Village
- Lacey Boldman, Association Director of Drowning Prevention & Instruction, Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA