A new initiative in Riverside County is making waves in child safety. The Palm Desert Aquatic Center is now offering free swimming lessons for children up to age five, thanks to a major grant from First 5 Riverside County.According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages one to four in the U.S., a fact that has local families eager to get involved. The goal of the program is to ensure that more children in Riverside County, especially those in the Coachella Valley, gain the skills they need to stay safe around water.“We really want to utilize all this funding,” said Palm Desert Aquatic Center Manager David Keyes. “This can truly be the difference between life and death.”Parents like those attending the swim lessons say it’s more than just a chance to learn—it brings peace of mind. “It’s definitely a relief when they learn how to swim,” one parent shared. “It gives them confidence and helps them not be afraid of water.”New swim classes begin every two…..