In an effort to combat accidental drownings, the Rhode Island DEM is offering grants to communities and organizations that provide swimming and paddlecraft safety lessons to children and teens. The initiative, part of the state’s $75,000 Water Safety Grant Program, aims to increase accessibility to water safety education, particularly for low-income families.
Proposed by Governor Dan McKee and approved by the General Assembly as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, the program will provide grants to cover swimming or paddlecraft lessons for children under 18 from low-income households. Qualified applicants can apply for grants between $5,000 and $75,000, with applications accepted from Nov. 18 to Dec. 20, 2024.
Governor McKee emphasized the importance of these lessons, stating, “The Ocean State is known for its outstanding beaches and over 400 miles of coastline, highlighting the importance that all Rhode Islanders have equitable access to swimming lessons, which is why I supported this funding in the FY2025 budget. I encourage communities and organizations to apply for this funding to help our state’s youth learn the skills needed to stay safe in the water.”