HB 85 – Swimming Vouchers
Oped – Public Relations Strategist
In the Sunshine State, water is our identity and one of our greatest natural and economic resources. However, for a child who has not been taught to swim, it is a silent and looming predator. While a backyard pool represents a summer of memories for some, it presents a deadly gamble for others. This is especially true for families living in poverty, and within Black communities historically shut out of public waters. House Bill 85 is a necessary response to this crisis. It expands the state swimming lesson voucher program to include children up to age seven.
The decision to shift the eligibility age is based on medical research. Findings suggest that infants under one years old display reflex movements rather than true swimming skills. By removing infants from the program, the legislature is focusing on the ages where children are most active. This targets the gap where kids are mobile, but often lack the formal training to survive a fall into a canal or pool. It makes it more efficient by spending money where it can save the most lives.
To truly increase safety, Florida must address the swimming disparities that affect the Black community. According to the American Red Cross and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black children between the ages of 5 and 19 are over five times more likely to drown in a swimming pool than their white peers. House Bill 85 recognizes that these vouchers are a tool for equity. It aims to dismantle this swimming “gap” by providing resources to communities that have been left behind for far too long.
Eligibility for these lessons is tied to the poverty rate. This ensures that the 1 million dollar recurring budget reaches those who cannot afford private instruction. According to the Florida Department of Health, families with an income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible. This removes the $200 dollar price tag that often stands between a child and safety. By focusing on older children and those with special needs, Florida is making a vital commitment. With one breaststroke at a time, we can build a future where every child is safe in the water.
