Zero Drownings Miami-Dade Expands Lifesaving Swim Program to Protect More Children Across South Florida
A major expansion of Miami-Dade County’s award-winning child water safety initiative is bringing new hope to families across South Florida as community leaders and nonprofit organizations continue working to reduce preventable childhood drownings.
The Zero Drownings Miami-Dade Collaborative announced this week that it has received new funding support from Bloomberg Philanthropies and Griffin Catalyst to significantly expand access to free swim lessons and water safety education for children throughout the county. The announcement was made during a National Water Safety Month press conference held at Miami-Dade County’s Rockway Pool.
Drowning remains the leading cause of accidental death for children between the ages of 1 and 14 in Miami-Dade County, making water safety education one of the community’s most urgent public health priorities. Officials say the new $350,000 investment will allow the initiative to expand its reach to approximately 20,000 children annually while strengthening partnerships with schools, childcare centers, camps, and local organizations.
The Zero Drownings Miami-Dade Collaborative is a public-private partnership that includes The Children’s Trust, Miami-Dade County, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the American Red Cross, The Miami Foundation, United Way Miami, and several corporate and philanthropic supporters working together to prevent tragic water-related accidents among children.
As part of the initiative, young children receive 10 free swim safety lessons through coordinated field trips from schools, camps, and childcare centers to participating pool facilities across Miami-Dade County. Transportation is also included to help eliminate barriers for families and maximize participation. Organizers carefully select lesson locations to ensure children spend minimal time traveling while receiving lifesaving instruction.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava emphasized the importance of expanding access to water safety programs in a county surrounded by beaches, canals, lakes, and pools.“In Miami-Dade, we know water is life, and every child deserves to be safe in and around it,” Levine Cava said.
“This investment strengthens our ability to reach more children and families with life-saving skills and resources.”Since launching in spring 2024, the initiative has already served more than 5,100 children, including many children with disabilities and autism, while helping participants collectively obtain more than 30,000 swim safety skills.
The program has also partnered with 130 schools and childcare centers and expanded operations to more than 25 pool locations throughout the county.
Leaders involved in the program say the initiative demonstrates how community partnerships and targeted investments can save lives while creating long-term solutions for families. Officials also announced plans to expand programming into more than 30 summer camps this year, ensuring children continue receiving water safety education beyond the school year.
Community advocates hope the program will eventually become a national model for preventing childhood drownings and promoting safer communities across the country.
For more information, visit: www.zerodrowningsmiamidade.org
