RI Awards Grants For Children To Get Free Swimming Lessons

RHODE ISLAND — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) awarded grants to 10 local organization providing free swimming lessons to children and teens.

DEM officials said the purpose of the grants is to prevent accidental drownings at Rhode Island beaches, impacting families every year.

DEM’s Water Safety Grant Program application period was open from May 20 to June 7. During that window, DEM received 17 applications requesting $337,570 in funding. A review committee scored applicants based on their eligibility, qualifications as a swimming or funding organization, program framework, demonstrated need, method for screening students for financial need, budget, and whether the organization is located within one of DEM’s "environmental justice communities."

Learn more about DEM’s EJ policy here. DEM awarded $70,723 to 10 organizations that achieved the highest scores. They include:

• Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket: $5,040
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence – Fox Point Clubhouse: $7,000
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence – Southside Clubhouse: $6,000
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence – Wanskuck Clubhouse: $2,915
• Cranston YMCA: $8,000
• East Providence Boys & Girls Club: $4,007
• East Side YMCA (East Providence): $4,442
• Pods Swimming (East Providence): $13,883
• Stages of Freedom (Providence): $13,883
• YMCA of Pawtucket: $5,553.

DEM officials said children should always be supervised by an adult around the water, but formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning.

"Rhode Island has amazing beaches and freshwater resources that draw people to the water," DEM Director Terry Gray said. "DEM wants to support people who want to cool off, explore, and enjoy the water by guiding them to have fun and be safe."

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