Broward County swim program helps families lower lesson costs during Water Safety Month

Broward County, Florida – Broward County is using National Water Safety Month as a reminder that swim lessons are not just a summer activity. For many families, they are a basic layer of protection.

Through its SWIM Central program, Broward County Parks is helping residents get access to reduced-cost Learn to Swim programs. The effort is aimed at both children and adults, with discount coupons available to help lower the cost of swim lessons for county residents. Families can apply and find more information at WaterSmartBroward.org.

The program comes with a serious message. In Florida, drowning is the leading cause of death for children up to four years old. Broward County Parks says water safety must remain a priority not only in May, during National Water Safety Month, but throughout the entire year.

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SWIM Central serves as the coordinating agency for water-safety instruction and awareness in Broward County. Its guidance begins with one clear rule: a child should never be able to enter a pool area without supervision. Constant adult attention is the first and most important layer of protection, but officials also stress that supervision alone is not enough.

That is why barriers are also important. Door, window and pool alarms should be working and should never be disabled. Door closures, gate latches and fences should be checked often. Families are also reminded not to leave objects near fences that could allow a child to climb over and reach unprotected water.

The agency also encourages parents and caregivers to teach children water safety and swimming skills as early as possible. Babysitters should be clearly briefed on water safety before watching children, especially near pools. During parties or family gatherings, adults should appoint a “designated watcher” whose only job is to monitor children in or near the water.

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Officials also warn families not to rely on sound as a warning sign. Child drowning can happen silently, without splashing or cries for help. Children in a pool area should remain in constant visual contact with an adult. Flotation devices should not be treated as a replacement for supervision, and families are encouraged to post CPR instructions and learn the procedures.

SWIM Central operates with support from the Broward County School Board and the Children’s Services Council of Broward County. The council provides more than $700,000 for water-safety instruction, coupon vouchers, outreach events and informational sessions for child-care facilities. Since 2014, it has provided $275,000 in coupons to help offset swimming lesson costs for children ages 6 months through 8 years.

Residents interested in applying for swim coupons can visit WaterSmartBroward.org.