The Sarasota-based Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA) and its Florida Swims Foundation announced they’re pursuing an appropriation from the State of Florida to fund childhood swim lessons. House Bill 4245 is a $200,000 Appropriations request for the Florida Swims Foundation to support and expand existing childhood swimming lesson programs in Broward, Hillsborough, Manatee, Miami-Dade, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties. These counties have some of the highest childhood drowning rates in Florida. “Ultimately, the top priority for us and the Florida Swims Foundation is to reduce the drowning rate in our state and funding more childhood swimming lessons is the first step in the process,” said Jim Bingold, FSPA president. “Swimming is an essential life skill for children that will save lives.”Bingold mentioned this being just the first step in a larger effort from the Florida Swims Foundation and FSPA. The goal with their appropriation is to identify and multiply the effectiveness of childhood learn to swim programs that have the potential to be scaled up for statewide implementation. The Florida Swims Foundation (Swimming Pool Education and Safety Foundation) funds swimming lessons throughout Florida and the dissemination of safety information and materials. In 2017 in partnership with local Florida Swimming Pool Association (FSPA) chapters, provided $27,095 in grants for swimming lessons.