NewsFox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsSeptember 15, 2026Hillsborough County
Riverview Swim Instructor Establishes Foundation to Provide Survival Swim Lessons for Children
Photo: Fox 13 News (WTVT) — All News
A Riverview mother founded the Water Smart Tots Foundation to provide scholarship-funded survival swimming lessons for families unable to afford them. The initiative aims to prevent childhood drownings by teaching young children skills such as floating and rolling over to reach safety.
Read the full story at Fox 13 News (WTVT) — All NewsWhy It Matters
Families who qualify for financial assistance can access subsidized swimming lessons for their children, reducing the financial barrier to water safety instruction.
Key Facts
- Kari Bahour founded Watch Me Swim and the Water Smart Tots Foundation after her 16-month-old son survived a near-drowning incident.
- The Water Smart Tots Foundation uses community donations and grants to provide scholarships for survival swim lessons.
- Lessons teach young children survival techniques such as floating, rolling over, and reaching safety.
- The foundation's scholarship program assists families who cannot independently afford survival swim lessons.
- Four children drowned over Mother's Day weekend in 2014, prompting the expansion of swim lesson outreach.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationWater Smart Tots Foundation“Foundation launched by Kari Bahour to provide swim lesson scholarships”locationFlorida“State where the events and drowning prevention efforts take place”PersonKari Bahour“Riverview swim instructor and founder of Watch Me Swim and Water Smart Tots Foun”PersonAmanda Myers“Parent who enrolled her children in swim lessons using foundation assistance”PersonColton“Three-year-old child enrolled in swim lessons”locationRiverview“Location of the swim instructor and families”OrganizationWatch Me Swim“Swim school founded by Kari Bahour”PersonPeyton“Five-year-old child enrolled in swim lessons”