In the time it takes to throw in a load of dirty laundry...

Welcome to the Swimming Lesson Voucher Program


The application cycle for the 2024-25 swimming lesson voucher is now closed. Vouchers issued during the 2024-25 cycle expire June 30, 2025.

The application period for the new cycle of vouchers will open mid-July, 2025. Please check back to apply.




Swim Instructor / Vendor Information

What is required to become a swim instructor?

  • Instructor certification by the American Red Cross, Y.M.C.A., or other nationally recognized aquatic training programs, approved by Florida Department of Health.
  • Current certification in administering first aid.
  • Current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
  • Completion of a Level 1 background screening or attestation of an already completed Level 1 background screening within the past five years. If a Level 1 background screening has not yet been completed, this can be accomplished through a local background screening company.

If you plan to provide adaptive swim lessons, the Department will contact the Dan Marino Foundation, Inc., to verify your certification is active.

  

 

How are swim instructors reimbursed for accepted vouchers?

  • Active registration in MyFloridaMarketPlace with an up-to-date W9 is required.
  • After an approved vendor is contacted by a voucher holder for swim lessons, and BEFORE providing lessons, that vendor must contact the county health department identified on that voucher. The county health department will confirm the voucher based on its number and the child’s name and will create or amend a purchase order to reimburse the vendor for completed lessons.
    • Contact county health departments for voucher verification and billing purposes.
    • Once lessons are completed, contact the county health department for instructions on how to process your payment.



Water Safety is Everyone's Responsibility

Drowning is fast, silent, and can happen to anyone. It can happen in the few minutes a distraction can take you away from the water to answer the phone or run inside for a towel. In Florida, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death to children ages 1-4.

Most infant drownings occur in just a few inches of water such as a bathtub or bucket. Home swimming pools are where most children are likely to drown, however natural bodies of water still pose threats to older children and adults.

 

Explore WaterSmartFL

Learn the steps you can take to be water smart to protect Florida's residents and visitors.

Layers of Protection
Use multiple layers: supervision, barriers, preparedness.

Resources
Download helpful materials.

Partners/Events
Find more information from state and national partners. Locate swim lessons and water safety events near you.

State Laws
Find out more about laws that apply to Florida pool owners and boaters.