Harlingen, the second-largest city in cameron county, is home to 71,829 residents according to the 2020 decennial census

The City of Harlingen received a $192,732 federal Project Grant award from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) under the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety program (CFDA 87.002). The grant will fund preventative measures to reduce drowning incidents in Harlingen, including providing free year-round swimming and water safety lessons for children, along with enhanced enforcement of city ordinances regarding pool and drain inspections. The grant aims to address the critical need for improved water safety education and infrastructure in Cameron County, as highlighted by recent drowning fatalities. The two-year project period runs from September 30, 2024, to September 29, 2026.

A substantial portion of its population lives in poverty and has low educational attainment levels. Surrounded by bodies of water, including the gulf of mexico, the arroyo colorado river, and several water reservoirs, harlingen offers its residents and visitors numerous recreational opportunities, such as bird watching and trail walking near water bodies, as well as access to community swimming pools. Despite these amenities, the city faces significant challenges related to water safety, highlighted by the tragic drowning of a local minor in may 2024. Drowning fatalities, as reported by the department of family and protective services (DFPS), signal a critical need for enhanced water safety education and infrastructure in cameron county. Recognizing this, harlingen plans to initiate preventive measures against drowning risks through free swimming and water safety lessons for children, alongside improved enforcement of city ordinances regarding pool and drain inspections. The proposal also outlines the current situation of swimming education in harlingen, provided by the parks and recreation department, which, due to budget limitations, is only available during the summer months with the hope of providing them year-round with cpsc funds. The report by the US department of health and human services and the national center for health statistics showed drowning fatalities across various age groups and corresponds with drowning fatalities in statistics provided by DFPS. Workshops and violation-free inspections will be offered by the citys planning and development to ensure residents are familiar with the VGB act and are not in violation of city ordinances regarding pools. The proposed initiative aims not only to reduce drowning incidents but also to ensure the well-being of harlingen S children by equipping them with essential swimming and water safety skills.