Massachusetts is on the hunt for partners that can provide free beginner swim lessons to children and adults, and is dangling $475,000 in funding as it looks to execute contracts with one or more vendors.
State environmental officials on Thursday announced plans for the SWIM grant program, saying it would accept applications for funding and enroll organizations on a rolling basis through March 1, 2022. A preference will be given to vendors that serve environmental justice communities.
The state asked for swim lesson program proposals from both non-profit and for-profit organizations capable of providing instruction for beginner swimmers at non-Department of Conservation and Recreation sites.
DCR this summer provided free lessons to about 315 young people over three two-week sessions, but officials say the demand for lessons far exceeded the state agency’s ability to provide them. A spate of drownings this summer, which has featured more of the excessive heat that has marked the last few years, has prompted a larger public focus on the importance of water safety.
Drowning death numbers were not available Friday from state environmental or public safety officials.
“The Commonwealth is fortunate to have beautiful waterfronts and great places for residents to cool off and have fun, but too often we have seen tragic incidents at these locations,” Gov. Charlie Baker said in a statement announcing the program. “Our Administration is committed to expanding access to swim lessons and providing residents in underserved communities an opportunity to develop this important skill to help prevent tragic accidents in and around the water.”
Also Thursday, state officials announced plans to install and expand multilingual safety signage at all DCR swimming waterfronts, and to install life rings at all 78 of the agency’s designated waterfronts. Life rings are floatation devices attached to a rope that can be thrown to a person who is struggling in the water.
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