MIAMI.- Public and private organizations in Miami-Dade County presented the “Zero Drownings Miami-Dade” initiative, a swimming lesson teaching program that involves the county’s public schools (M-DCPS).
The initiative, unveiled Tuesday, July 9, at a press conference at the Malva Y. Bannerman Pool in Brownsville, is a comprehensive, collaborative effort between The Children’s Trust, Miami-Dade County, M-DCPS, the American Red Cross, The Miami Foundation, United Way Miami, Edu Foundation and the Templeton Family Foundation, with the goal of preventing childhood drownings by providing swimming lessons for young children, water safety education for families and a community water safety campaign.
Drowning is the leading cause of death in the county for children ages one to nine. According to studies, Participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce this risk by 88%.
“Through education, resources and increased awareness, drownings can be prevented. We know that educating children at this early age prepares them for life,” said Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava.
“This program is a testament to our community’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our children,” the mayor said.
The Safe Swim Program will provide free swim lessons throughout the county using an American Red Cross-certified curriculum for children ages four to five. Over the course of two weeks, children will be taken to the nearest pools participating in the program to receive swimming lessons as if it were the day’s excursion. Each student will be offered 10 group lessons of 30 minutes each. There will be one instructor for every six students.
Participating children will come from the county’s Head Start program, private Thrive by 5 child care centers funded by The Children’s Trust in high-poverty neighborhoods, and Miami-Dade County Public Schools preschools.
The program includes safety classes to teach how to be smart in and around the water. Additionally, it will offer a digital water safety course for their family members.
Students will be transported free of charge to ensure access to facilities and increase the likelihood that children will complete classes.
It is expected that around 4,000 children will participate in the 2024-2025 school year, 10,000 in the following year and 20,000 in the 2026-2027 school year..
M-DCPS Superintendent Dr. Jose Dotres called the program a vital initiative that can save lives and build trust.
James R. Haj, president of The Children’s Trust, said his organization is proud to be a leader and principal sponsor of the initiative. “Together we are creating an innovative program to make generations of children safer around swimming pools and other bodies of water.”