HELPING CHILDREN BUILD LIFESAVING WATER SAFETY SKILLS

Since 2012, the NCH Safe & Healthy Children's Coalition has partnered with local organizations to provide water safety education and swim instruction through SWIM Central in Collier County. The program helps reduce the risk of childhood drowning by teaching essential water safety and swimming skills to children who may not otherwise have access to lessons.

As of August 2026, more than 13,423 Children have completed over 111,424 water safety lessons through SWIM Central.

SWIM Central primarily serves children ages 3-5 enrolled in participating preschools and early learning programs located in economically disadvantaged areas of our community. By removing financial barriers to swim instruction, the program helps ensure that all children have the opportunity to learn lifesaving water safety skills, regardless of household income.

In addition, SWIM Central provides opportunities for children with special needs to participate in water safety and swim instruction through specialized programming and community partnerships designed to support diverse learning needs.

SWIM Central focuses on reaching children who face barriers to accessing traditional swim lessons, including:

• Children attending participating preschools and early learning centers in underserved and economically disadvantaged communities
• Children from families with limited access to water safety resources
• Children with autism and other special needs who may be at increased risk around water
• Young children who would otherwise have limited opportunities to participate in formal swim instruction

Our goal is to ensure that every child, regardless of ability or economic circumstances, has access to lifesaving water safety education and the opportunity to develop basic swimming skills.

Each SWIM Central session includes:

• Ten 30-minute swim and water safety lessons over a two-week period
• An initial evaluation of water safety and swimming skills
• Small-group instruction with individualized attention
• Age-appropriate water safety education
• A final evaluation to measure progress and skill development

Lessons are taught by trained aquatic professionals and supported by certified instructors and lifeguards to ensure a safe, positive learning environment for every child.

Children with autism and other developmental, physical, or cognitive disabilities often face an increased risk around water. SWIM Central is committed to helping families access water safety education and swim opportunities that support the unique needs of each child.

Through community partnerships and specialized programming, children with special needs can develop water competency, confidence, and safety skills in a supportive environment. We encourage families interested in adaptive swim and water safety opportunities to contact us for additional information.