The New Orleans Health Department announced on April 8 that it is accepting applications for federal funding to support free and low-cost swimming lessons and water safety education for local families. The city will distribute between $50,000 and $200,000 to qualified organizations over an 18-month period through a grant from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
This initiative comes in response to Louisiana’s high rate of child drownings. According to the Louisiana Health Department, there were 63 child drowning deaths in the state between 2020 and 2022, making Louisiana the state with the highest child drowning rate in the United States. Drowning remains one of the leading causes of death among children ages 1 to 14 in Louisiana.
“These deaths and injuries are preventable when families and communities have easy access to swimming lessons and water safety education programs,” the Health Department stated in its announcement.
Eligible applicants for this funding include non-profit organizations, universities, and community-based groups that have experience providing swimming instruction or water safety programming. Priority will be given to organizations serving Orleans Parish families with children under age 18 who demonstrate financial need.
Organizations interested in applying can find more information and application materials at nola.gov/health-department or by contacting William Johnson at william.johnson@nola.gov or calling 504-658-2567.
The program reflects ongoing efforts by local authorities to address public health concerns affecting children. By increasing access to lifesaving skills like swimming, officials hope to reduce future incidents of drowning across Orleans Parish.
