JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A new bill that goes into effect on July 1 creates a voucher program that gives free swim lessons for kids.
RELATED: Founder of free swimming lesson program hopes new state law will prevent more children from drowning
Kids drowning in the Sunshine State is a story heard far too often.
“All of those things can be 100% preventable,” Rachel Mills, YMCA Interim Regional Aquatics Director said.
According to the Florida Department of Health (FDH), over 450 people died of unintentional drowning in 2022.
Duval County accounts for 14 of them.
Starting July 1, a new bill will try to bring those numbers down.
“So it’s just important to know safety skills at least how to get in and out of the water making sure you’re watching your children,” Mills said.
Senate Bill 544 created the Swim Lesson Voucher Program.
To be eligible for the program, your child must be younger than 4 years old.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said more kids die from drowning in the 1 to 4 age group than any other group.
The bill also said your family income level can only be up to 200% of the federal poverty level.
“Getting them comfortable in the water and knowing those safety skills,” Mills said. “‘If I fall in, I can turn and I can grab the wall or I didn’t ask mom if I should not get in this water’ just taking those steps and I can make such an impact and a difference.”
While the bill is active on Monday, it only establishes that a program will be set up.
According to the FDH website, it is required to develop exact rules and processes for becoming eligible as both an applicant and a vendor.
“The Department is working diligently to meet this date. More information will be posted as available on this website,” a statement on the website said.
News4JAX reached out to FDH about an update on where it is in the setup process and is waiting for a response.
With the Fourth of July just days away, the YMCA is offering free swim tests for you to check how strong of a swimmer anyone in your family is.
“We start all the way at the little baby parent-child lessons all the way up to 100 and it is completely possible for people over the kid age to learn how to swim,” Mills said. “I’ve taught many myself. It is possible.”
The CDC recommends building fences that surround pools and keeping an eye on anyone who’s in the water.
A life jacket is suggested for all ages and swimming abilities while boating.