City to offer free swim lessons to youth

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville's Mayor Lenny Curry announced an initiative Friday morning aimed at preventing drowning.

The drowning prevention program, called SPLASH squad, is aimed specifically at teaching kids how to swim. It's designed to educate the public on safe swimming practices.

There will be 350 vouchers available for free swimming lessons at 30 of the city pools this summer.

Families can sign up online with proof of military ID or income 185 percent below the federal poverty line.

We spoke with District 9 Councilman Garrett Dennis just blocks away from where 6-year old Jamarion Lee drowned in a retention pond earlier this month.

Dennis said there’s a greater emphasis on water safety after Lee’s drowning.

He said he will try to push for even more free lessons during the budget season.

“We can help a lot of kids and maybe prevent a Jamarion Lee from drowning,” he said.

To sign up for lessons through SPLASH squad, call JAXParks aquatics at 904-255-7927 or go to www.coj.net.

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