Why This Matters
Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death in young children, and yet it's silent, fast, and drastically under-discussed. FloatSwim exists to change that by making the invisible visible.
- Drowning can happen in seconds, in inches of water, often without a sound.
- Near-drowning events can lead to lifelong medical and emotional impacts.
- Many tragedies are preventable with awareness, layers of protection, and early instruction.
- Drowning is the #1 cause of unintentional death for children ages 1 to 4 in the United States (CDC).
- Formal swim lessons reduce drowning risk by 88% for children ages 1 to 4 (National Institutes of Health).
- Roughly 4,000 people die from unintentional drowning each year in the U.S., with another 8,000 treated for nonfatal injuries.
- Black children ages 5 to 19 drown at 2.6 times the rate of white children, largely due to unequal access to swim instruction.
For Parents & Caregivers
Whether you live near the ocean, have a backyard pool, or just bathe your child at home, water safety starts long before "swim lessons."
Water awareness, not pressure
Gentle exposure, safe holding positions, and always-within-arm's-reach supervision in any water setting.
- Never leave an infant near watertubs, buckets, or poolsunattended.
- Create a "no distractions near water" family rule (no phones, no scrolling).
- Learn about infant swim programs in your area and what's age-appropriate.
Layers of protection
Fences, alarms, designated "water watchers," and instruction converge to protect kids in this high-risk age group.
- Four-sided pool fencing with self-latching gates.
- Assign one adult as the dedicated water watcherno multitasking.
- Start consistent, professional swimming lessons as soon as practical.
Be ready to respond
The goal is prevention, but preparation matters. Simple training can dramatically change outcomes during a crisis.
- Learn CPR through the Red Cross or local providers.
- Know how to safely remove a child from water without putting yourself at risk.
- Post emergency numbers and address info near pool areas.
Essential Water Safety Gear
Trusted products that add an extra layer of protection for your family.
Kids Swim Goggles
Anti-fog lenses help kids see clearly underwater and build confidence.
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Stories of Hope & Recovery
Behind every statistic is a family, a child, a community. FloatSwim will highlight survivor stories and near-drowning experiences in a way that respects privacy while sharing life-saving lessons.
- Survivor and family perspectives on what happened and what changed afterward.
- Positive examples of communities rallying around prevention.
- "What we wish we had known" reflections to help other families.
Find Swim Lessons by State
Browse swim lesson providers in your state. Every listing includes the provider name, location, and type of program.
Water Safety Guides
Free guides to help your family stay safe in and around water.
Infant Swim Lessons
When to start, what to expect, ISR vs traditional methods, and how to find classes near you.
Pool Safety Checklist
Fences, alarms, life jackets, supervision rules, and emergency preparation for families.
CPR Training for Parents
Why every parent needs CPR training, where to find free or low-cost classes near you.
Get Involved
This platform will grow through collaboration: parents, instructors, medical professionals, first responders, nonprofits, and sponsors working together with a single aim: fewer lives lost to preventable drowning.
Professionals & Organizations
Pediatricians, swim schools, nonprofits, and local agencies can help shape educational content, directories, and advocacy campaigns.
- Share resources and data.
- Join as a content or directory partner.
- Collaborate on pilot programs in high-risk areas.
Parents & Community Leaders
Families and community organizers can amplify water safety norms and push for equitable access to swimming lessons.
- Bring FloatSwim content into parent groups and schools.
- Advocate locally for funding and access to lessons.
- Share feedback on what would help most in your area.
Support the Mission
Over time, FloatSwim may be structured as a nonprofit or hybrid model supported by grants, donations, and aligned sponsorships.
- Future donation and sponsorship options.
- Transparent use of funds toward lessons and tools.
- Impact reporting as the platform grows.