With summer right around the corner, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is looking to make swimming lessons more accessible to children from low-income families as a way to help prevent drowning.
The DEM is offering $65,000 in grants to help provide free swimming lessons to students under the age of 18.
“The Ocean state is known for its outstanding beaches and over 400 miles of coastline, highlighting the importance that all Rhode Islanders have equitable access to swimming lessons, which is why I proposed this funding in the FY2024 budget,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I encourage communities and organizations to apply for this funding to help our state’s youth learn the skills needed to stay safe in the water.”
Swimming lessons are a proven preventative measure that can help reduce the risk of drowning. In addition to being a fun activity, swimming lessons can also help children develop skills and learn how to be safer in and around water.
The DEM hopes that this program will help to make swimming lessons more accessible to children from low-income families and help prevent drowning deaths.
Applications for the grants are open now and will be accepted through June 7, 2024.
For more information on the Water Safety Grant Program and to apply, please visit the DEM website.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
