OVIEDO, Fla. – With summer in full swing, health experts are raising awareness about water safety, but there are still questions about a new Florida law that provides free swim lessons to some children.
Thursday is World Drowning Prevention Day and also marks nearly a month since the state’s voucher program went into effect on July 1.
The new law provides free swim lessons for kids 4 and under who are from families making less than 200% of the federal poverty level.
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
The state’s website provides details about the program, but there is no option to apply.
“The Swim Lesson Voucher Program online registration portal is in the final stages of development,” the website stated. “Please check back regularly for updates.”
The Florida Department of Health has not provided an explanation for the delay.
The city of Oviedo, meanwhile, is promoting its group and one-on-one swim lessons.
Kristen Stansell is the aquatic supervisor for Oviedo and said the city provides the lessons for all ages.
“We have programs as young as six months, all the way up to adults,” Stansell said. “We really try to hit all the bases so that everyone can feel confident and continue to grow in the water.”
The classes start at $95 dollars for group lessons.
Lindsay Roney has been teaching her three young daughters how to swim and said the lessons are invaluable.
“It’s important for me to make sure they get lots of pool time and instruction,” Roney said. So, they’re safe if we’re at a neighbor’s house or at the beach or wherever we’re going to be.”
For details on Oviedo’s water safety program, click here.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: