advocacy
SWIM Act Sign-On Letter for Organizations
RE: Support for the Safe Water Instruction for Minors (SWIM) Act - H.R. 9298
Dear Member of Congress:
On behalf of the undersigned organizations, we write to express our strong support for H.R. 9298, the Safe Water Instruction for Minors (SWIM) Act. This crucial, bi-partisan, legislation can save countless lives by making basic swimming lessons an eligible expense under Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
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 annually. It is a tragedy that disproportionately affects our most vulnerable population – children aged one to four, for whom drowning is the leading cause of accidental death. However, we have the power to prevent these heartbreaking losses. Studies have shown that basic water competency swim lessons can dramatically reduce the risk of drowning by an impressive 88%.
Empowering Individuals through Basic Swim Lessons
The SWIM Act defines “qualified water competency and water safety lesson expenses” as amounts paid to participate in basic water safety and basic swimming instruction, as well as necessary equipment (swimsuit, goggles, etc.). These lessons go beyond mere recreation, focusing on essential lifesaving skills that empower individuals to navigate water environments safely. Individuals typically learn:
- Water Familiarization: Becoming comfortable in and around water environments.
- Floating Techniques: Learning to float on back and front, a critical survival skill.
- Breath Control: Managing breathing while in water to prevent panic and aspiration.
- Resurfacing Skills: Techniques to return to the water's surface after submersion.
- Safe Water Entry and Exit: Proper methods for entering and leaving various water bodies.
- Basic Propulsion: Simple swimming strokes to move short distances in water.
- Water Safety Awareness: Understanding potential water hazards and how to avoid them.
Alignment with Existing Health Initiatives
Including basic swimming lessons as a qualified expense aligns with other health-related expenses currently covered by HSAs and FSAs, such as lead-based paint removal, smoking cessation programs, medications, and, for dependent care FSA account holders, nanny expenses. In 2023, there was approximately $123 billion saved in over 37 million HSAs and $3.28 billion in 2021 contributions over 2.4 million FSAs. With approximately $123 billion saved in over 37 million HSAs and $3.28 billion in 2021 contributions across 2.4 million FSAs, narrowly expanding the list of eligible expenses to include these life-saving lessons is a logical and impactful step.
Economic and Public Health Benefits
By allowing families to use pre-tax dollars for swimming lessons, the SWIM Act can reduce the burden on public healthcare systems with fewer hospitalizations, decrease drowning-related medical costs, and potentially save thousands of lives each year.
Key Components of the SWIM Act
The SWIM Act:
- Narrowly expands FSA and HSA use to only basic water safety and basic swimming instruction
- Limits the aggregate amount allowed to $500 per taxpayer ($1,000 for joint returns or heads of household) including equipment necessary for such participation up to $100
- Explicitly excludes competitive swimming or training lessons
Upon completing these basic swim lessons, participants are equipped with essential water competency skills ensuring their safety in water, whether they are there intentionally or accidentally. This knowledge forms a crucial foundation for water safety and can be lifesaving in various aquatic situations.
The undersigned organizations strongly urge your support for this important, life-saving legislation and thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Supporters of the SWIM Act
