According to the USA Swimming Foundation website, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death in the United States for children ages 1 to 4, and the second leading cause for children younger than 14. But a single month of formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning in children by 88%. And those lessons don't need to break the bank. The foundation says that this training can cost as little as $50 for children, and $60 for adults. And it helps stretch those dollars with its Learn-to-Swim Grant program, which helps fund learn-to-swim programs for youth and adults.
The USA Swimming Foundation recently announced that applications for lesson providers to receive the learn-to-swim grants are open now through Dec. 15, 2023.
The grants have been awarded since 2007, and in 2023, the USA Swimming Foundation awarded more than $800,000 to 125 providers of youth and adult lessons in 33 states, adding to more than $7 million in funding to help provide swimming lessons that directly benefit kids and adults who would not have had the opportunity to learn to swim without the funding.
To qualify for the 2024 Youth Learn-to-Swim Grant, applicants must provide a project budget and program narrative, and they must be an approved USA Swimming swim lesson provider in good standing before Dec. 1.
To qualify for the 2024 Adult Learn-to-Swim Grant, applicants must register as a U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS) club or workout group, provide opportunities for eligible adults to participate in USMS programs, and present a detailed budget and program narrative.
To see the 2023 awardees, look here.
Learn more about both Youth and Adult Learn-to-Swim Grants here.