Big Dreams Through Small Steps Receives Step Into Swim Grant to Launch AQUAlibrium Drowning Prevention Program in Manatee County

Big Dreams Through Small Steps has officially launched AQUAlibrium, a bold new initiative aimed at combating childhood drowning in Manatee County by providing free swim lessons, safety education, and community outreach for families in need.

AQUAlibrium, a signature program under the nonprofit’s umbrella, is designed to give children from underserved communities a life-saving skill set: the ability to swim. With drowning being a leading cause of death for children under five in Florida, the program comes at a critical time for local families and aligns with the organization’s broader mission to empower children and families through education, safety, and opportunity.

Big Dreams Through Small Steps is proud to be a 2025 grant recipient of Step Into Swim, a national initiative founded by the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance. Step Into Swim is committed to creating one million swimmers by funding learn-to-swim programs across the country. Since its founding in 2012, Step Into Swim has helped thousands of children gain access to essential water safety education, partnering with local nonprofits like Big Dreams Through Small Steps to eliminate cost barriers for families.

“Our goal is not just to teach kids how to swim — it’s to save lives and build confidence,” said Misty Ritch, founder of Big Dreams Through Small Steps. “With support from Step Into Swim and our community partners, we’re ensuring that water safety is a right, not a privilege.”

AQUAlibrium swim sessions will be held in partnership with local pools, community centers, and schools, including water watcher training for parents and caregivers.

Big Dreams Through Small Steps invites the community to learn more, volunteer, and help expand this initiative at www.bigdreamsthroughsmallsteps.org.

For families, supporters, and local leaders alike, AQUAlibrium represents more than just swim lessons — it’s a movement to bring balance, safety, and opportunity to every child in Manatee County.