Senate panel plunges into revisions of Florida’s swim lesson voucher program

A bill calling for the expansion of Florida’s swimming lesson voucher program was buoyed by the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services.

The panel approved the measure (SB 428) sponsored by Sen. Clay Yarborough, a Jacksonville Republican. The bill would allow many more kids to qualify for the vouchers that cover the cost of swimming lessons.

The popular program instituted in 2024 provides financial help for parents getting swim lessons for their children aged 0 to 4 years old. Under the proposed revision, that would expand to kids aged 1 to 7.

“Drowning is the No. 1 cause of death among Florida kids and swimming instructions targeted at the appropriate age level can make a big difference,” Yarborough said.

While the initial voucher program attracted many participants, Yarborough said the early age, from birth to 1 years old, is almost ineffective because babies react instinctively in the water and only try to keep their heads above the water line. He said they don’t really learn how to swim.

Meanwhile, the current cutoff of 4 years old leaves a lot of children out, Yarborough said, because there are plenty of kids who need swimming lessons after that.

A similar bill (HB 85) working its way through the House. 

The voucher program enacted nearly two years ago is wildly popular in the state. But many organizations such as the YMCA and other outlets that provide swimming lessons argue more children need to be included. Many representatives from those organizations have testified during the Committee process in the House and Senate this year.

“Expanding the swim voucher program to include children up to the age of 7 will dramatically increase access to essential swim instruction at a time when those skills are most impactful,” said Jason Hagensick, President and CEO of the YMCA of South Palm Beach County.

The Senate bill next heads to the Fiscal Policy Committee.