JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Lawmakers are trying to tackle an issue plaguing children in Florida – drownings.
According to the CDC, more children in Florida, ages 1 to 4, are killed by an unintentional drowning than any other state.
“I think everybody should learn to swim, and they should learn when they’re young," said Sheila Pate as her granddaughter Aliyah wrapped up a swimming lesson.
Pate drives and hour and a half round trip to get her granddaughter to her swimming lessons at Swimming Safari in Jacksonville.
It’s a trek, but for her, it’s a no brainer.
“I’ve known kids that have drowned right here in our rivers and things," said Pate. "It was on my Mimi’s heart to get her in as soon as I could and get her swimming.”
First Coast News reported on five different children drowning in Jacksonville-area retention ponds, rivers and swimming pools in the past year.
Tired of seeing headlines like that, State Senator Travis Hutson of Palm Coast got 114 lawmakers to unanimously agree to putting $500,000 toward a swimming lesson voucher program.
Hutson was at Swimming Safari Wednesday to announce a new swimming lesson voucher program.
“I’ve had a nephew fall in, flip and float, and get saved by my wife," said Hutson. "We always talk about how we can protect the pool from children falling in, but we don’t talk about getting the kids the education. For those in need, now we have that opportunity.”
Children four years old or younger with a family income at 200% or less of the state poverty level will be eligible for vouchers.
The Florida Department of Health is working on getting a list of schools that will accept the vouchers together by the beginning of July.
Swimming Safari Owner Joani Maskell says they’re on board.
“I have families that have three or four kids that can’t afford for all children to learn to swim at $28 a lesson," said Maskell. "It’ll be so much better for children anywhere, like apartment complexes or communities with a pool. I’m so excited about this.”
Hutson says the vouchers will be available this Fall.
Aliyah may be done with her swimming lessons by then, especially considering she just made it from one end to the other without a floatation device.
“It feels good," said Pate. "It gives you a sense of peace.”
More information on the vouchers can be found here.