The USA Swimming Foundation, the philanthropic arm of USA Swimming and U.S. Masters Swimming, today announced they are awarding $1 million to 112 swim lesson providers nationwide, vetting more than 540 applications through a competitive annual review process. These funds, which impact both youth and adult learn-to-swim programs, will be distributed across 33 states to provide approximately 21,000 individuals with the opportunity to learn the lifesaving skill of water safety.

“Swimming is the only sport that can save a life and expanding access to learn-to-swim opportunities for both youth and adults is essential to building safer, stronger communities across the country,” USA Swimming and USA Swimming Foundation Chief Executive Officer Kevin Ring said. “As we continue toward an exciting home LA28 Olympic Games, we remember that every Olympic athlete started out by learning how to swim. From veterans like Katie Ledecky, to age group swimmers who are jumping in the pool for the first time with their local programs, these grants provide an opportunity for future athletes and fans to dive in and enjoy being safe around the water.”

Since 2007, the USA Swimming Foundation has awarded grants to help fund youth Learn-to-Swim programs nationwide and expanded to include funding for adult learn-to-swim programs in 2021. More than $10 million in funding has been provided for programs, directly benefiting children and adults who would not otherwise have the opportunity to learn to swim.

Youth Learn-to-Swim grants will be distributed to 70 providers across 25 states. These programs will receive $850,000 in total funding to support youth programs offering free or reduced-cost swim lessons and impacting an estimated 15,000 children.

After U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS) moved its fundraising efforts for adult learn-to-swim programs to the USA Swimming Foundation, all learn-to-swim fundraising efforts now fall under the USA Swimming Foundation. This year marks the highest support the USA Swimming Foundation has provided for adult lesson programs, affording $150,000 to 42 adult learn-to-swim providers across 22 states. This direct impact will provide an estimated 6,000 adults with the opportunity to learn how to swim.  

"We're proud to partner with the USA Swimming Foundation to expand access to learn-to-swim programs for adults," USMS CEO Dawson Hughes said. "No one should ever think it's too late for them to learn this lifesaving skill. These grants help remove barriers, strengthen communities, and empower more people to experience the lifelong benefits of being comfortable and safe in the water."

Learn more about Youth Learn-to-Swim grants here and Adult Learn-to-Swim grants here.

The full list of programs awarded grant funding is available here.