Program expands affordable access to swim lessons across Central Texas

Yahoo

26-05-2025

AUSTIN (KXAN) — As temperatures rise, more people spend time at the pool or cool off at Central Texas' many lakes. However, with more people in the water comes a greater need for water safety to help prevent a potential drowning.
According to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, 103 children in Texas were drowning victims last year. The state agency said so far this year, 15 children have drowned in Texas.
'Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for kids under the age of five and toddlers are especially at risk,' the DFPS website said.
In Central Texas, there's a program making swim lessons more accessible for families regardless of their income.
This month, pool cleaning and maintenance company Pool Scouts, is donating a percentage of its services to Hope Floats Foundation.
'During Water Safety Month, our locations donate $1 from each service to Hope Floats,' said Pool Scouts of Texas Hill Country Co-owner Hillary Burris.
Hope Floats then helps pay for swim lessons for children from low-income families. Those classes are held at the British Swim School. There are locations in Austin, San Marcos, Kyle, New Braunfels and Buda.
'Hope Floats provides 90% scholarships to kids' families who are on the free or reduced lunch program. If they're eligible for that, they're eligible to get a 90% scholarship that's good for three months of swim lessons,' said British Swim School Austin Owner Brian Borchardt.
Borchardt said this is their first year with the partnership. So far, they've helped 10 families by dropping their cost from $146 to $14.60 a month.
'Formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88%,' Burris said. 'I think the contributions from both of our organizations, British Swim School and Pool Scouts, has a huge direct impact on our local families having access to these formal swimming lessons.'
Borchardt said this will be offered year round for families. They just have to apply for the scholarship through Hope Floats.
'We think the off-season is the time to make sure you know how to swim so you could be safe during the summer,' Borchardt said.
For the month of June, Borchardt said they're going to raise money for the foundation as well.
When it comes to water safety, he said it is also important for parents to stay vigilant by the pools, even if they think their child can swim. He recommended designating a 'water watcher'' to stay off their phones and keep an eye on people in the pool.
Nearly two years ago a new water safety measure went into effect across Texas, which aims to minimize drowning of children under 12.
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House Bill 59 requires child care organizations get written notice from parents stating whether their child can swim or not. If they can't, the organization must provide a flotation device.
The bill was signed into law in June 2023, and became effective on September 2023.
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