Swim Lesson Grant Program

The Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona is committed to reducing drowning in Arizona. As a Coalition, we believe strongly in water safety lessons.  In 2010, the America Academy of Pediatric updated its stance that water safety lessons can be good for both the child and the parent, providing safety education that can last a lifetime.  This awareness provides valuable skills to the child and the educational component helps strengthen the parent’s vigilance to water safety.

Both children and adults should learn to swim. Even though knowing how to swim will not make anyone drown proof, it can be an extra layer of protection when it comes to water safety.  It is important to underscore the importance of adults knowing how to swim because they are often the caregiver who is the water watcher.  If they don’t know how to swim, they won’t be able to appropriately respond if there is an emergency in the water.

Since 2012, the DPCA is proud to have been able to offer the opportunity for aquatics programs in Maricopa and Pima Counties to receive grant funds to provide free or reduce swimming lessons.  These funds have been financially supported by Fiesta Bowl Charities, SafeKids of Maricopa County and Children’s Emergency Center at John C. Lincoln Deer Valley Hospital. 

Since 2016, grant recipients received Life Jackets to incorporate into the learn-to-swim programs offered with grant funds. These Life Jackets were provided in part by the Ryan Thomas Foundation. 

Current members receive updates and information on grant opportunities.