SWIM Act

Swimming lessons have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of drowning, particularly among young children. According to a study published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, participation in formal swimming lessons was associated with an 88% reduction in the risk of drowning for children aged 1 to 4 years old. This compelling statistic underscores the importance of initiatives like the proposed SWIM Act, which aims to make basic swimming lessons an eligible expense under Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), potentially saving thousands of lives each year.

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Impact of the SWIM Act

Importance of Swimming Skills

Drowning remains a significant public health concern in the United States, with approximately 4,000 fatal and 8,000 nonfatal drownings occurring annually¹. It is the leading cause of accidental death for children aged 1 to 4, highlighting the critical need for effective prevention strategies. Basic water competency swim lessons have been shown to reduce the risk of drowning by an astonishing 88%, making them a crucial life-saving skill^{1 2}. These lessons typically cover essential skills such as water familiarization, floating techniques, breath control, resurfacing skills, safe water entry and exit, basic propulsion, and water safety awareness¹. 

SWIM Act and Health Initiatives

The SWIM Act aligns swimming lessons with other health-related expenses currently covered by HSAs and FSAs, such as lead-based paint removal, smoking cessation programs, and medications. In 2023, approximately $123 billion was saved in over 37 million HSAs, while $3.28 billion was contributed to 2.4 million FSAs in 20213. The SWIM Act limits FSA and HSA use to basic water safety and swimming instruction, capping the allowed amount at $500 per taxpayer ($1,000 for joint returns or heads of household), including up to $100 for necessary equipment⁴. This one-time expense for most families can significantly reduce the financial burden of accessing these lifesaving skills, potentially preventing thousands of drowning incidents annually.

Economic and Public Health Benefits

Implementing the SWIM Act could lead to substantial economic and public health benefits. By allowing families to use pre-tax dollars for swimming lessons, the SWIM Act has the potential to:

• Reduce the burden on public healthcare systems through fewer drowning-related hospitalizations
• Decrease medical costs associated with drowning incidents
• Save thousands of lives annually by making swimming lessons more accessible
• Provide a one-time investment in life-saving skills, as most individuals only need to take basic swim lessons once
• Enhance water safety awareness and competency across communities

These benefits align with existing health initiatives covered by HSAs and FSAs, reinforcing the SWIM Act's potential to significantly impact public health and safety.

Support the SWIM Act

Show your support of the SWIM Act and urge members of Congress to pass this important legislation!

• Drowning Prevention Organization, Swim School, Water Safety Advocate, or Other Organization: Join Our Coalition and Sign This Letter
• PHTA Member: Sign This Support Letter
• Individual: Use These Support Materials

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Thank You to Our SWIM Act Allies