Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis,

We are advocating on behalf of the nearly 19,000 foster youth currently in care, and for every future child who will experience the trauma of entering foster care in the state of Florida. We ask that you consider signing into legislation, the “Every Foster Youth Swims” bill.

This bill would ensure that within 90-days of entering the foster care system, every child would be provided access to swim lessons. It would also prioritize our foster youth to be taught life-saving water-safety skills while giving them an opportunity to pass a swim assessment test. Finally, this bill would ensure ongoing funding for access to therapeutic water activities, which are evidenced to improve mental health, social skills, and an internal sense of self-confidence, all of which are desperately needed in this population of children.

You both have an exemplary record of serving our children in the state of Florida.

Why this bill is critical and lives depend on it:

Upwards of 79% of our foster youth can not swim, AND drowning is still a leading cause of death for our children; clearly, we can do better. As important as preventing drowning is, our goal is also to highlight the therapeutic role water plays in relation to mental health, suicide prevention, and healing.

Water automatically improves mood and reduces stress, literally switching the brain into relax mode, by increasing the saturation of “feel good” hormones and neurochemicals in the brain and the body. Water-based activities improve the flow of oxygen to the brain, leading to mental clarity and focus. Additionally, and maybe most importantly, water plays a role in inducing empathy, the ability to feel the emotions of one another, arguably a cornerstone for relationship building and trust.  Evidence-based research is beginning to prove, without a doubt, how incredibly therapeutic water can be, in all of its modalities. 

Isn’t this fascinating? No wonder why you see so many smiles when people are around water!

Furthermore, we propose that ALL foster youth swim lesson providers become certified Trauma-Informed Aqua Specialists, ensuring they are equipped and prepared to deal with the behaviors of children suffering trauma.

There is no child more vulnerable than those within our foster care system.

Imagine the legacy of ensuring that Every Foster Youth Swims. Together we can make this a reality and guarantee these most vulnerable youths have a lifetime of safe access to water therapy.

Thank you for your consideration,

Every Kid Swims | Daytona Beach, Florida