Every Child A Swimmer – November post

Every Child a Swimmer: Saving Lives, Strengthening Communities
Drowning is a preventable tragedy that affects countless families and communities. Each year, drowning claims the lives of thousands of children, and the ripple effects are felt deeply. According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1-4. Even more heartbreaking is the reality that for every child who drowns, another eight are hospitalized due to non-fatal drownings—incidents that can leave lasting physical and neurological impacts on families and communities for a lifetime. The statistics are stark, but change is within reach. Together, we can save lives.


At the Every Child a Swimmer (ECAS) program, we’re committed to turning these tragedies into
preventable incidents by teaching life-saving swimming skills. Through 2024, we’ve awarded over $379,622 in funding to support swim lessons, reaching 1,474 children and providing them with essential water safety skills. This year, ECAS also donated $20,000 to the Clearwater for Youth program, enabling transportation for young students in grades K-2 from six local elementary schools to participate in swim lessons. At John Hopkins Middle School, we partnered with a unique program led by dedicated physical education teachers, which allowed 450 middle school students to take swim lessons during PE class.


These efforts bring us closer to a future where drowning is a rare occurrence.
Our work would not be possible without partnerships. We collaborate with over 280 quality swim
schools across the country, providing up to three months of swim lessons to low-income families who provide proof of financial need. By removing barriers to access, we help ensure that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to learn this life-saving skill.


Formal swim lessons have been proven to reduce the risk of drowning by 88%. Swimming isn’t just another sport—it’s a skill that saves lives and opens doors. Whether it’s confidence to enjoy the water, an introduction to competitive swimming, or a potential career in aquatics, swimming can shape futures. The child who learns to swim today might be tomorrow’s Olympian, lifeguard, or swim coach.

At ECAS, we follow each child’s progress to ensure they build water competence and confidence that will last a lifetime. Join us in this vital mission to turn drowning into a preventable tragedy—together, we can save lives and make Every Child a Swimmer. Every dollar raised funds our Learn to Swim Scholarship Program, helping more children gain life-saving skills and making a big impact one lesson at a time. Let’s work together to create safer, stronger communities for all.

#ISHOF #EveryChildASwimmer #CityofFortLauderdale #WorldAquatics #DrowningPrevention