ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — With all the water we have in the Tampa Bay area, it’s important for children to learn how to swim.
Drowning is preventable, but last year proved deadly. In 2021, 98 children drowned in Florida. That's more than any other year on record and some of those deaths were in the Tampa Bay area.
That’s why the City of St. Petersburg urges parents to enroll their children in swimming lessons, and each summer, more than 5,000 kids take lessons at recreation center pools.
But there’s another problem — a lack of proper swimwear. Staff at rec centers estimate about half of the children who show up for lessons don’t have a swimsuit. Many kids come in shorts and t-shirts.
You can help 10 Tampa Bay help kids learn to swim in style by donating to our Suit Up for Summer campaign.
From June 1 through July 15, you can drop off NEW swimsuits and towels at any St. Petersburg Recreation Center. To find a center near you click here.
You can also bring items to the 10 Tampa Bay studios at 11450 Gandy Boulevard in St. Petersburg.
Another easy way to help is to purchase a swimsuit or towel from our Amazon Wish List. Items will be shipped to our 10 Tampa Bay studios, and we’ll get them to kids in need.
►Breaking news and weather alerts: Get the free 10 Tampa Bay app
►Stay In the Know! Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter
