Water Safety Program

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is accepting applications for its Water Safety Grant Program, an initiative launched in 2024 to address a critical public health and safety need—water safety education for youth. Rhode Island, nicknamed the Ocean State, has abundant freshwater and saltwater access, yet lacks a robust water safety training curriculum. With annual incidents of accidental drowning, especially among children and teens, DEM created this grant to promote life-saving water safety skills through formal lessons and outreach. The program offers funding to organizations that provide swimming and paddlecraft safety lessons, including those tailored for individuals with cognitive, developmental, or physical disabilities. This initiative is funded through a recurring $85,000 line item in the Rhode Island state budget, beginning with Governor Dan McKee’s fiscal year 2024 proposal and enacted by the General Assembly in June 2023. Grants support increased participation in formal swim and paddlecraft instruction, a recognized preventive measure against drowning. In 2024, the program awarded funds such as $13,883 to Pods Swimming and Providence Community Health Centers for youth swim lessons. The program also supports adaptive swim instruction and the purchase of equipment that ensures inclusivity for students with disabilities. Applicants may include community organizations and other eligible entities aiming to enhance access to water safety training. Proposals must focus on youth, promote safe water engagement, and meet specific program goals. DEM’s focus is to reduce drowning risk, promote equitable water access, and empower more Rhode Islanders with essential water survival skills. In addition to educational components, DEM has also invested in physical safety measures by installing life rings at 12 key water recreation areas across the state. The 2026 grant cycle is now open, with applications accepted through Wednesday, December 10. Submission is done via the program webpage at dem.ri.gov/water-safety-program-grants. Applicants should prepare to describe their program model, population served, and intended outcomes. While no specific pre-application steps such as letters of intent are required, prospective applicants are encouraged to align their proposals with DEM’s focus on community safety and inclusivity. Evaluation of applications will focus on alignment with program objectives, the potential for impact, and the ability to deliver safe and effective water safety training. The performance period and award notification timeline are not specified in the source, but awards will be announced after the application deadline. DEM encourages inquiries to Troy Langknecht at troy.langknecht@dem.ri.gov or (401) 537-4150. This program is anticipated to continue on an annual basis, given the dedicated funding and recurring application window. Based on the current deadline of December 10, 2025, the next expected cycle would likely open in late 2026, continuing the program’s goal of fostering water safety education throughout Rhode Island communities.

Emphasize programs focused on inclusivity, youth impact, and water safety skill-building.