Michael P. NortonState House News ServiceMassachusetts is on the hunt for partners that can provide free beginner swim lessons to children and adults, and is dangling $475,000 in funding as it looks to execute contracts with one or more vendors. State environmental officials on Thursday announced plans for the SWIM grant program, saying it would accept applications for funding and enroll organizations on a rolling basis through March 1, 2022. The state asked for swim lesson program proposals from both nonprofit and for-profit organizations capable of providing instruction for beginner swimmers at non-Department of Conservation and Recreation sites. "Our Administration is committed to expanding access to swim lessons and providing residents in underserved communities an opportunity to develop this important skill to help prevent tragic accidents in and around the water." Also Thursday, state officials announced plans to install and expand multilingual safety signage at all DCR swimming waterfronts, and to install life rings at all 78 of the agency's designated waterfronts.

Source: MetroXpress August 13, 2021 12:11 UTC