Florida Expands Swim Lesson Voucher Program to Prioritize Children with Autism
Florida has expanded its swim lesson voucher program to prioritize children with autism, addressing the significantly higher risk of drowning faced by these children. The program, initially launched in 2024, was expanded by a law effective July 1st, which now prioritizes children with autism aged 1 to 7. This decision comes in response to the alarming statistic that children with autism are 160 times more likely to die from drowning than their peers. The expansion aims to provide these children with effective swim lessons, which are considered one of the best ways to mitigate drowning risks. The Florida Department of Health is expected to announce the availability of these vouchers soon, with hopes that applications will open by the fall. The state has increased funding for the program from $1 million to $1.7 million to meet the anticipated demand. 
