Big Dreams Through Small Steps has Launched the Second Year of Its AQUAlibrium Drowning Prevention Initiative

Big Dreams Through Small Steps has launched the second year of its AQUAlibrium drowning prevention initiative, expanding efforts to provide swim lessons and water safety education for children in Manatee County and surrounding communities.

The program’s return during National Water Safety Month comes as the community mourns the recent drowning death of a 4-year-old girl at a pool party held at an apartment complex in Bradenton on Saturday evening.

Organizers said the tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of swim instruction, active supervision and multiple layers of water safety protection for young children.

Through a partnership with Step Into Swim and other supporters, AQUAlibrium will provide up to 10 free swim sessions for eligible children ages 2 1/2 through 8. The program is available to families demonstrating financial need and to children in the foster care system.

According to water safety advocates, drowning remains the leading cause of death for children under age 5 in Florida. Research shared through Step Into Swim states that formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by as much as 88 percent.

In addition to swim instruction, the initiative promotes several layers of water safety protection, including pool barriers, alarms, supervision, life jackets, emergency preparedness and water competency skills.

Last year, the AQUAlibrium program helped provide swim lesson opportunities to dozens of children through community partnerships and scholarship support. Organizers said the goal for the second year is to continue removing barriers that prevent families from accessing life-saving swim education while increasing awareness about drowning prevention throughout the community.

Families interested in applying for the program can learn more through Big Dreams Through Small Steps.