arts
Florida increases age limit for swimming lesson vouchers as drowning numbers approach record level
By Steve Maugeri at CBS4 Miami
· July 4, 2026
· 2 min read
It was a record-setting year for drownings in Florida in 2025, and it appears as though the state could be on pace of eclipsing that number this year.That makes swimming safety during the Fourth of July holiday weekend more critical.Giselle Sesteaga knows first-hand the importance of swim safety. He
Key takeaway Sesteaga said she didn't know until CBS News Miami told her, that her now five-year-old son is eligible for a voucher where the state pays for up to eight swim lessons.
Why this matters in The Miami
The increased age limit for swimming lesson vouchers in Florida is particularly relevant in Miami, where water safety is a pressing concern due to the city's coastal location and frequent hurricanes. As a major hub for families, many of whom live in neighborhoods like Miami Beach and Little Havana, access to affordable swim lessons can be a matter of life and death. With Nicklaus Children's Hospital reporting a record number of drownings in the state last year, and South Florida accounting for 10 of the 62 drownings so far this year, the need for swim safety education is clear. The voucher program, now available to children up to seven years old, can help families in Miami-Dade County take proactive steps to protect their children, especially during the summer months when water activities are more common. As the program expands, it will be important to monitor its reach and effectiveness in Miami's diverse communities.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: arts ·
Published: July 4, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? It was a record-setting year for drownings in Florida in 2025, and it appears as though the state could be on pace of eclipsing that number this year.That makes swimming safety during the Fourth of July holiday weekend more critical.Giselle Sesteaga knows first-hand the importance of swim safety. He
When was this published? This article was first published on July 4, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Steve Maugeri at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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