As Florida leads in toddler drownings, summer swim lessons in Broward County could be a lifesaver
Broward County, Florida – Florida tops the nation in unintentional drowning deaths among children aged one to four, with 97 lives lost in 2023 and 101 in 2024. As waterfronts beckon and swimming pools open for the season, those figures serve as a sobering reminder: skills in the water can save lives. In celebration of National Water Safety Month this May, Broward County Parks is urging parents to ask themselves a simple yet crucial question—can your child swim?—and to take action by enrolling in the 2025 Learn to Swim Program.
Registration for all classes starts May 1, 2025, on a first-come, first-served basis. Lessons will be held at two county parks: C.B. Smith Park in Pembroke Pines and T.Y. (Topeekeegee Yugnee) Park in Hollywood. Each site will conduct three ten-day sessions, with lessons running Monday through Thursday from 9:15 to 9:45 a.m.
The first session begins June 16 and closes June 26 (skipping June 19, with a make-up lesson on June 20), the second spans July 7 to 17, and the third goes July 21 to 31. To make instruction personalized, each 30-minute class is capped at six individuals and proceeds only once minimum enrollment is met.
Designed for youngsters from age two up to ten, the program includes three levels of education. The Preschool and Parent class welcomes two- and three-year-olds who may be afraid of the water; parents enter the pool alongside their child and help them through essential skills—everything from rhythmic breathing and face submersion to basic glides and elementary strokes.
For somewhat older preschoolers (ages three to five), parents attend poolside as teachers take children through water familiarization and key techniques: jumps, floats, glides, and initial arm strokes. Finally, the Beginner track accommodates six- to ten-year-olds with no prior swim experience. Over eight lessons, students work on breath control, front and back floats and glides, elementary backstroke, front crawl arms, and more advanced strokes such as breaststroke and backstroke.
Beyond the water drills, organizers stress a few commonsense guidelines: swimmers should arrive ready and wearing appropriate attire, with towels in tow; light snacks are recommended beforehand (avoiding greasy foods or soda); and children showing any signs of illness—fever, rash, open sores—will be asked to sit out until fully recovered. Parents and family members are encouraged to stay and observe, while poolside toys and personal flotation devices are discouraged in favor of park-supplied instructional tools.
At $55 per session, courses represent an investment in safety and confidence. Should a class be canceled due to weather, make-up times will be added, with Fridays designated for any excess rain-outs (up to two each session). Parents seeking to cancel or transfer must do so at least 14 days before the first class date; a $10 processing charge applies, and refund requests require a written or emailed notice with the original receipt.
With water safety awareness at its pinnacle in May, now is the moment for families to secure their position. After all, when it comes to reducing childhood drownings, readiness is the best lifeguard.
