Bradenton Kiwanis Helps Expand Local Swim Program on World Drowning Prevention Day

As communities around the globe mark World Drowning Prevention Day, Big Dreams Through Small Steps is taking bold strides locally to turn awareness into action through its signature AQUAlibrium Drowning Prevention Program.

The program, which provides free swim lessons to young children in Manatee County, received a significant boost thanks to a generous donation from the Bradenton Kiwanis Club. With this new funding, more families from underserved communities will gain access to life-saving swim education at no cost.

“Drowning is preventable,” said Misty Ritch, founder of Big Dreams Through Small Steps. “But access is the barrier for too many families. With this support from Bradenton Kiwanis, we can enroll more children, educate more parents, and ultimately, save lives.”

The Bradenton Kiwanis Club, a civic organization dedicated to improving the lives of children through service and leadership, shares a mission aligned with the goals of AQUAlibrium. Their donation will directly fund swim lesson vouchers, covering up to 10 lessons per child.

“Our mission is simple: to serve the children of our community,” said a member from Bradenton Kiwanis. “We believe that every child deserves the chance to grow up safe—and that starts with water safety.”

Simple Steps to Prevent Drowning:

• Supervise Constantly: Always designate a responsible adult as a "Water Watcher."

• Teach Children to Swim: Enroll in certified lessons, like those offered through AQUAlibrium.

• Install Barriers: Fences, locked gates, and pool alarms can save lives.

• Learn CPR: Immediate response can mean the difference between life and death.

• Use USCG-approved Life Jackets: Especially around open water or for inexperienced swimmers.

• Empty Water Containers: Kiddie pools, buckets, and bathtubs should be emptied after use.

As part of the global message for World Drowning Prevention Day, Big Dreams Through Small Steps is encouraging local families, schools, and caregivers to raise awareness, take action, and be part of the solution.

To learn more about the AQUAlibrium program or how to support its efforts, visit www.bigdreamsthroughsmallsteps.org.

Let’s work together to prevent drowning—one small step at a time.