Florida Senate passes legislation to pay for low income family swim lessons

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Senate passed legislation Wednesday to help pay for the swim lessons of low income families.

It applies to children of families who earn less than 200% of the federal poverty level.

Sen. Travis Hutson, R-Palm Coast, filed the legislation, SB 544.

Hutson’s bill requires the state establish a network of swim lesson vendors, at least one per county, that provides access to the program.

One amendment was added to the legislation while it was being considered on the floor that allows for the Florida Department of Health to contract with non-profit organizations to promote swimming safety, as well as subcontract with the local swimming vendors.

Hutson highlighted the need for the bill because of the number of drowning related deaths in the state over the years.

“Drowning deaths in Florida have consistently ranged between 350 and 500 deaths per year in the state form 2003 to present,” he said.

Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, spoke in favor of the bill and complimented Hutson for championing it through the committee process.

“I appreciate you brining this good legislation forward,” Boyd said. “I said then, my grandkids went through this, so I see the effects of it. The fact that you’re making it available to all children is incredible. So thank you. It will save lives and save families.”

The bill passed unanimously on the chamber floor and is still working its way through the House.

The House companion legislation is HB 581 by Rep. Demi Busatta Cabrera, R-Coral Gables.