The program works to increase water safety and prevent drowning in Florida by providing free swimming lessons to eligible Florida families.

Instructor Requirements

The following requirements are necessary to become an approved Swimming Lesson Voucher Program instructor:

  • Instructor certification by the American Red Cross, Y.M.C.A., or other nationally recognized aquatic training programs, approved by the Florida Department of Health
  • Current certification in administering first aid
  • Current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
  • Completion of a Level 1 background screening or attestation of an already completed Level 1 background screening within the past five years. If a Level 1 background screening has not yet been completed, this can be done through a local background screening company.

If you plan to provide adaptive swim lessons, the Florida Department of Health will contact the Dan Marino Foundation to verify your certification is active.

Register to Become a Swimming Lesson Vendor

Vendor Payments

The Swim Lesson Voucher Program (Senate Bill 544) was approved by Governor DeSantis on April 15, 2024. Prior to implementing the Program.

  • Active registration in MyFloridaMarketPlace with a current W9 on file
  • After an approved vendor is contacted by a voucher holder for swim lessons, and BEFORE providing lessons, that vendor must contact the local county health department identified on that voucher. The county health department will confirm the voucher based on its number and the child’s name and will create/amend a purchase order to reimburse the vendor for completed lessons.
  • Once lessons are completed, contact the county health department for instructions on how to process your payment.