Winter Haven launches accessible swim lessons with Kiwanis Club and American Red Cross support

In the heart of Winter Haven, excitement buzzed through the air as city officials gathered to discuss vital community programs aimed at enhancing water safety and youth engagement. The recent Special Commission Workshop held on June 4, 2025, showcased the city’s commitment to providing accessible swim lessons and enriching summer camp experiences for local children.

At the forefront of the discussions was the new pool at the Winter Haven Recreation and Cultural Center, designed with accessibility in mind. This facility aims to create a welcoming environment for beginners, particularly those who may feel apprehensive about learning to swim. The city is dedicated to making water safety approachable for all, reinforcing this commitment through ongoing swim lessons at the Rowdy Gaines pool, which serves hundreds of participants each year.

A highlight of the meeting was the announcement of a partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Winter Haven, which allows the city to offer free swim lessons to children in the community. This initiative, running twice a year, provides invaluable skills to 20 to 25 children per session, led by trained instructors using the American Red Cross swim curriculum. The program not only teaches essential swimming skills but also emphasizes water safety awareness, ensuring that cost is never a barrier for families.

In a further effort to promote water safety, the city is collaborating with the American Red Cross Centennial program to provide scholarships for swim lessons. Each year, the program grants 50 scholarships, significantly reducing the cost for families in need. For those awarded the scholarship, the cost of lessons drops from $35 to just $10 for residents, and from $44 to $14 for non-residents, making swimming lessons accessible to all.

The meeting also touched on an exciting new initiative aimed at kindergarten students in partnership with the Polk County Public School Board. Plans are underway to offer swim lessons during the academic year, with certified instructors guiding students through the American Red Cross curriculum. However, logistical challenges remain, particularly regarding transportation to and from the facility. City officials are actively working to secure buses and drivers to facilitate this program.

As the discussions transitioned to summer camp programs, Tanisha Duncan, the summer camp coordinator, shared the success of "Camp Off the Chain," which kicked off on June 2. With an impressive enrollment of 340 campers, the program runs until July 25, providing a range of activities for children from kindergarten through fifth grade. The camp collaborates with the Polk County School Board to provide lunches, ensuring that children are well-fed and engaged throughout the day.

The workshop concluded with a sense of optimism and determination. City officials expressed gratitude for the community's support in these initiatives, emphasizing the importance of creating lasting change—one swimmer and one camper at a time. As the city moves forward, the commitment to fostering a safe and enriching environment for its youth remains a top priority, promising a brighter future for the families of Winter Haven.