NewsFOX 13 Tampa BaySeptember 15, 2026Hillsborough County
Riverview Swim Instructor Establishes Water Safety Foundation and Swim Scholarship Program
Photo: FOX 13 Tampa Bay
A Riverview swim instructor who experienced a child near-drowning incident founded a survival swim school and a nonprofit foundation to provide swim lesson scholarships for families. The Water Smart Tots Foundation uses community donations and grants to fund swim lessons for families who cannot afford them.
Read the full story at FOX 13 Tampa BayWhy It Matters
Families who qualify for Water Smart Tots Foundation scholarships receive financial assistance to cover the cost of survival swim lessons for their children.
Key Facts
- Kari Bahour founded Watch Me Swim after her 16-month-old son survived a near-drowning incident in a swimming pool.
- Following the drowning of four children over Mother's Day weekend in 2014, Bahour launched the Water Smart Tots Foundation.
- The Water Smart Tots Foundation provides scholarships funded by community donations and grants for families who cannot afford survival swim lessons.
- Watch Me Swim teaches children survival swim skills including how to float, roll over, and reach safety.
- Families such as Amanda Myers' qualify for financial assistance to pay for children's swim lessons and refresher courses.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationWater Smart Tots Foundation“Nonprofit foundation providing swim lesson scholarships”locationFlorida“State where the safety initiatives and drownings occurred”PersonKari Bahour“Riverview swim instructor, former paralegal, and founder of Watch Me Swim and Wa”PersonAmanda Myers“Parent who enrolled her children in swim lessons using assistance”PersonColton“Three-year-old child enrolled in swim lessons”locationRiverview“Location where Kari Bahour resides and operates”OrganizationWatch Me Swim“Swim school founded by Kari Bahour”PersonPeyton“Five-year-old child enrolled in swim lessons”