Zero Drownings Miami-Dade

In Miami-Dade County, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-9. Annually in Florida there are enough children under the age of 5 lost to drowning to fill four preschool classrooms. Nationwide, for every child who succumbs to drowning, five more endure nonfatal submersion injuries, often resulting in lifelong disabilities. The urgency of this crisis calls for immediate and impactful action.

The Zero Drownings Miami-Dade Initiative aims to transform this tragic reality by providing comprehensive water safety education to children across Miami-Dade County. With a vision for a community where all children, regardless of their background, learn essential drowning prevention techniques, the Zero Drownings Miami-Dade collaborative group is dedicated to creating a robust and accessible water  safety program during the school day, when pools are not already in use.

This initiative is partly modeled after the successful Broward County Swim Central program, customized to meet the unique needs of Miami-Dade. By 2026 and every year thereafter, we intend to provide 20,000 children with 10 consecutive days of 30-minute group swim lessons, conducted as a field trip during school hours by American Red Cross-certified instructors. Maintaining a maximum instructor-to-student ratio of 1:6 ensures that each child receives the attention and instruction they deserve.

Recognizing the heightened risk of drowning among children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, the program also prioritizes inclusion services, providing specialized lessons for this vulnerable population. Additionally, family engagement and caregiver education are integral components of this initiative, because informed parents and caregivers play a critical role in keeping children safe around water.

We invite you to contribute to this life-saving initiative. Donors who can commit a minimum of $50,000.00 will have the opportunity to join the Zero Drownings Miami-Dade Collaborative Group, engaging in operations and community outreach, if so desired,while also receiving prominent recognition in marketing materials, community campaigns, and public events honoring their commitment to saving lives.

Whether through a  large minimum annual investment of $50,000 annually or a more flexible donation, every contribution will make a difference in providing life-saving swim safety education to Miami-Dade’s children. 

Join us in our mission to create a safer Miami-Dade, where every child has the opportunity to learn the skills necessary to respect and thrive in the water. Together, we can build a lasting legacy of water safety and drowning prevention for generations to come.