May is National Drowning Prevention Month and The NCH Safe & Healthy Children’s Coalition is reminding Collier County residents and visitors...
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NAPLES — May is National Drowning Prevention Month and The Naples Community Hospital Safe & Healthy Children’s Coalition is reminding Collier County residents and visitors to stay safe in and around water. The beautiful sunny and warm weather will send families to pools and beaches, but the leisurely activity can turn tragic in the matter of time it takes to check a phone or take a bathroom break.
Each year many children drown during summer holiday weekends. Being aware of the basic principles of water safety, combined with knowledge and understanding of water hazards, can increase enjoyment and significantly reduce the number of drowning deaths each year.
Florida loses more children under the age of 5 to drowning than any other state. This equals the number of children to fill 3 to 4 preschool classrooms. Collier County did not have a fatal child drowning in 2020 and 2021. However, in 2021, more children drowned in Florida than any year on record. Drowning happens to the BEST PARENTS and the BEST PEOPLE. It is silent and preventable.
Water Safety Tips:
• Supervise - Never take your eyes off children in and around water. There is no substitute for active supervision. Actively supervise children in and around open bodies of water, giving them your undivided attention. NEVER leave a child alone around water. If your child is missing, check other pools or surrounding bodies of water.
• Water Watcher Strategy - When there are several adults present and children are swimming, use the Water Watcher strategy. This designates an adult as the Water Watcher for a certain amount of time (such as 15-minute periods) to prevent lapses in supervision.
• Use Barriers - Fences, self-closing/self-latching gates, and secure doors with alarms can prevent young children from wandering into bodies of water including lakes, pools, ponds, etc... Check for broken or missing drain covers.
• Learn to Swim - To stay safe in the water, all family members should learn to swim well. The American Association of Pediatrics states that children can safely take swim lessons as early as age one. Young children and inexperienced swimmers need to wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Teach children to never swim alone and that an adult must supervise them always. No one is drown proof, no matter how well they swim.
• Know How to Respond - Get training in basic water rescue skills, first aid, and CPR. Have rescue equipment and a phone by the pool to call 911.
Remember that layers of protection are necessary to prevent drownings. NO single device or solution can prevent child drownings.
Upcoming National Drowning Prevention Month Activities:
• City of Naples Water Safety Proclamation - Wednesday, May 4, 2022
