Water Safety Grant Program
Water Safety Grant Program supports Rhode Island communities and organizations expanding youth swimming, paddlecraft safety, and adaptive swim programs to broaden access and reduce drowning risks.
Funder: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Due Dates: 2027 grant round: deadline not specified
Funding Amounts: Approximately $72,000 total for 2027; subsidized lesson budgets start at $5,000 with no maximum; adaptive equipment/training has no minimum or maximum
Summary: Supports expanded swimming, paddlecraft safety, and adaptive swimming programs for children and teens in Rhode Island.
Key Information: Applicants must be Rhode Island municipalities or organizations registered with the Rhode Island Secretary of State.
Description
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) launched the Water Safety Grant Program in 2024 to reduce drowning risks and expand access to water safety training. The program supports communities and organizations providing swimming and paddlecraft safety lessons for children and teens. Its central priority is increasing the number of students receiving lessons statewide, rather than replacing organizational funding for existing subsidized lessons.
The program also funds adaptive swimming lessons for students with cognitive, developmental, or physical challenges. Separate adaptive equipment and training support helps providers purchase lesson equipment, train or certify staff in adaptive swim curricula, and make small improvements to facilities hosting adaptive lessons.
