“Every Child A Swimmer” Legislation
With the expansion of AquaChamps, Mary and I are pursuing ways to reach out and give back to the community by expanding our drowning prevention outreach. We have become members of the Florida Swimming Pool Association, a not-for-profit that serves to protect, educate and promote the aquatic industry. We are excited to partner with the FSPA to help promote their “Every Child A Swimmer” legislation that is being spearheaded by Dr. Bill Kent, CEO of HornerXpress.
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children under the age of four! Now picture this as you drop your child off at preschool next time: “Enough children die of drowning in Florida each year to fill 3-4 preschool classrooms.” (2012 Florida Department of Health) This is an epidemic that must stop! AquaChamps has always remained dedicated to doing our part for drowning prevention in South Florida. Now with leadership of FSPA, Dr. Kent and the “Every Child A Swimmer” legislation we have the opportunity to make a difference state-wide!
The “Every Child A Swimmer” legislation is recommending that every child should demonstrate basic ability to swim before entering school at the primary level. The legislation intends to include that School-Entry health examination must require each child to have an understanding of water safety and have completed swim lessons for admittance into kindergarten. This legislation would be effective for both public and private schools. The legislation does allow religious exemption for children to opt out of swim lessons.
This legislation is in its infancy and we are excited to be a part of its growth and implementation. It is time that our leaders took a stance and protected our children from a preventable death. To make this happen, WE NEED SPONSORS FOR THIS BILL in Tallahassee! If you or anyone you know, has connections in Tallahassee please let them know how important this legislation is. For additional information on this legislation feel free to contact me, the Florida Swim Pool Association or Dr. Bill Kent.
Drowning is preventable, give the gift of life to your friends and family by making sure they get involved in swimming lessons early! For additional information on drowning prevention and how to keep you and your swimmer safe in and around water, please visit aquachamps.com.
Related posts:
“Every Child a Swimmer” Scholarship
AquaChamps Featured on CBS News Miami
Previous post:
Next post:
