Abby Grace's Hope
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HOPE + Love = Change

Saving Lives through Drowning Prevention Initiates since 2013
Click Here --> for a Full Directory of Swimming Lesson Providers serving Polk County
**Abby Grace's Hope provides this directory in support of all local swim instructors. Please visit the directory for a full list of instructors in your area!

Swim Lessons

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Think that swim lessons for your child isn't a priority? Think again!  According to this research study, " Participation in formal swimming lessons was associated with an 88% reduction in the risk of drowning in the 1- to 4-year-old children".  Swim Lessons should be a caregivers top priority in water safety for their children along with supervision, barriers and first aid preparedness.  Lessons begin as young as 6 months of age and are offered in a variety of formats (Private, Group, etc.) and should encompass Swim, Float, Swim techniques.  See the techniques and watch videos by clicking the logo above.

Those outside of our area, please visit Infant Swim Rescue and check with local YMCA/ City groups for the availability of lessons in your area.  Please contact us if you are aware of special events in and around Polk County not listed below.

Learn about differences in Swim Programs 

Special Swim Opportunities:

Lakeland, FL:

Lakeland YMCA: Jelly Fish Swim Program

Half day preschool program.  Activities include swim instruction, in and out of water safety, songs, games and the opportunity to learn and explore underwater skills. Sessions available during select weeks for ages 3-6. (Must be potty trained) and costs $65/member; $90/nonmember for the week. Visit the link above for specific details an contact information!


Winter Haven, FL:

Aquatic Activities at "Rowdy" Gaines Pool: *Swim Lessons range in program price between$35-$44 in a group setting for children as young as 6 months of age. Click link for additional information including contact and registration.  **Free Swim Lessons are available during certain periods during the summer.  Call for more information : (863) 291-565

*

AGH Swim Scholarships

Abby Grace's Hope is excited to offer swim scholarship to families in financial hardships throughout Central FL.   The number of scholarships awarded is based on funding and program requirements detailed in the application process.  If you or someone you know is interested in this program, please visit the AGH Swim Scholarship page for details on how to apply!
A Look Back
​Abby Grace's Hope: First Scholarship Season, July '14
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AGH Swim Bucks
A Survival Swim Voucher Program for Polk County, FL presented by Abby Grace’s Hope, Inc.

Abby Grace’s Hope had the great honor today of awarding 14 children with FREE private swim lessons through the AGH Swim Bucks Voucher Program. (How precious are these little ones?!?) The Swim Bucks Voucher program is part of AGH’s multi layered approach to drowning prevention initiatives. These vouchers valued at approximately $500 per child were made possible by the incredible support of our community, gracious partnering swim instructors, incredible volunteers, private individuals and business partners - amazing support of which our organization is continually grateful of! 

We’re just getting started on this crucial mission and look forward to continued growth in missions, programs and impact as we work hard to “Save Lives, One Child at a Time” through drowning prevention initiatives supporting our State and Central FL families!

A Special Thanks:
Blaise Dillman, a paramedic with the Polk County Fire Rescue dove in with this program as it was being put together; his passion to prevent drownings following so many calls to assist drowning victims in this past year alone led to his partnership with AGH. Dillman immediately launched his initiative to raise funds for swim vouchers, combing his passion for running and his support of drowning prevention. His campaign alone would raise nearly $2,000 funding over half of the first season of swim vouchers! Thank You, Blaise!! And Thank you to the Polk County Fire Rescue for their continued support!

Denise Waggoner and Veronica Kerst, certified swim instructors who are truly in their careers from the heart, a passion for saving lives and are going to be working hard in the next few weeks turning these precious babies into swimming pros! Thank you Denise and Veronica for all your doing for AGH and these precious kids!

Voucher applicant families - thank you for allowing us to help equip your children with these life saving skills. It was a pleasure to meet you all today and we look forward to keeping in touch as your children progress through their swim lessons! Hopefully many more families will follow in your footsteps in seasons to come!

AGH is incredibly grateful of the the partnerships and support of local media sources, which really helped the impact and quick community reach of this program. Thank you: Brad Rhumann - Polk County Fire Rescue, Carrie - Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Gary White -The Ledger Media Group, Daily Ridge, Frank Gerrera and Michelle - ABC Action News, Saundra Weathers - Bay News 9, Roger Todd - 97 Country WPCV Breakfast Club, Shyann Malone - 10 News WTSP. AGH continues it’s thanks to generous sponsors: Bobby Kelton Aluminum Construction, Susan Ericksen, Dennis and Dora Warren, Denise Waggoner, Christen Shea, Carol Bonsall, Emily Collins, Sandra Whitlock and founders Michael and Rachel Warren. Thank you all for your continual support in this crucial mission!!

http://www.gofundme.com/9jw66w
http://www.theledger.com/article/20140609/NEWSCHIEF/140609143?p=1&tc=pg
http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-polk/auburndale/daughters-near-drowning-inspires-family-to-help-others
http://www.baynews9.com/content/news/baynews9/news/article.html/content/news/articles/bn9/2014/6/26/swim_lessons_drownin.html
http://www.wtsp.com/story/local/2014/01/01/11895921/?storyid=11895921
 — with Roger Todd.
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  • Home
  • Abby's Story
  • Water Safety
  • About Us!
  • Swim Lessons
  • Swim Lesson Directory
  • CPR Opportunities
  • Events
  • Donate
  • Contact
  • AGH Swim Scholarship Application
  • Drowning Support