April 8, 2026 | From City of New Orleans
New Orleans Health Department Announces Funding for Swimming Lessons and Water Safety Programs
Up to $200,000 available to help prevent drowning in Orleans Parish children
The New Orleans Health Department is accepting applications for federal funding to provide free and low-cost swimming lessons and water safety education to local families. Through a grant from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the city will award between $50,000 and $200,000 to qualified organizations over an 18-month period.
The initiative aims to address Louisiana's alarming child drowning statistics. According to the Louisiana Health Department, 63 children drowned in the state between 2020-2022, giving Louisiana the highest child drowning rate in the United States. Drowning remains a leading cause of death for Louisiana children ages 1 to 14.
"These deaths and injuries are preventable when families and communities have easy access to swimming lessons and water safety education programs," the Health Department stated in the funding announcement.
Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, universities, and community-based organizations with experience providing swimming instruction and water safety programs. Priority will be given to organizations that can serve Orleans Parish families with children under 18 who demonstrate financial need.
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Key Dates:
- Informational Meeting: February 15, 2025 at 2:00 PM (virtual)
- Applications Due: March 1, 2025 by 5:00 PM
- Awards Announced: April 1, 2025
For more information and application materials, visit nola.gov/health-department or contact William Johnson at william.johnson@nola.gov or 504-658-2567.