I am a grieving parent who lost my teenage son to a tragic drowning accident. He couldn't swim because we couldn't afford the high cost of swimming lessons. This is a tragedy that no family should ever have to face, and it's one that could be prevented with the reinstatement of annual swimming lessons in schools.

Swimming is not just a recreational activity; it's an essential life skill. According to the World Health Organization, drowning is the 3rd leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide, accounting for 7% of all injury-related deaths (WHO). In addition, research shows that participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning among children aged 1-4 years (CDC).

Yet despite these alarming statistics, many schools have phased out mandatory swimming lessons due to budget constraints or other reasons. This leaves many children without access to affordable swimming instruction and puts them at risk.

By reinstating yearly school-based swimming programs, we can ensure that every child has an equal opportunity to learn this vital skill regardless of their family's financial situation. Let us honor my son’s memory by making sure no other child loses their life due to lack of access to affordable swim education.

Please sign this petition and join our fight for safer futures for our children.