Councilman files emergency legislation for free swimming lessons

Bill would fund swimming lessons for more than 6,000 Jacksonville children

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville City Councilman Garrett Dennis filed emergency legislation Tuesday night to allocate money to swimming lessons for thousands of children.

The bill comes just days after 12-year-old Dale Fuller Jr. was pulled from a pool during a party Saturday at a condominium complex on Atlantic Boulevard. He died the next day. 

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Dennis called the bill a drowning prevention initiative, saying the $200,000 would be enough to provide free swimming lessons to more than 6,000 children between ages 3 and 17.

MORE: Free swim lessons for Duval County children

The councilman said he introduced the legislation to educate kids on water safety and help prevent accidental drowning.

“I believe as city leaders, we have a responsibility to ensure the safety of every child in Jacksonville," Dennis said. "These lessons will help to provide them with an enjoyable and safe summer.”

According to Dennis, $125,000 of the $200,000 will go directly to swim lessons, which would be staffed by the parks and recreation department in partnership with the YMCA; $50,000 would go to transportation for the children; $25,000 would be for education; and the remaining $65,000 was already allocated last year. 

The full City Council must vote on the legislation in two weeks for the funds to be appropriated. If it passes, the swim lessons will be offered until Sept. 30.

Safe Kids Northeast Florida is offering free swimming lessons again this summer based on financial need.

For more information on the JaxParks pool hours and programs, visit JaxParks.com, or call 904-255-7927.


About the Authors:

Jim Piggott is the reporter to count on when it comes to city government and how it will affect the community.

Lifetime Jacksonville resident anchors the 8 and 9 a.m. weekday newscasts and is part of the News4Jax I-Team.