Although Florida has the highest rate for children drowning it happens Everywhere! *As little as two inches of water in a tub, sink or shower places a toddler at risk.
Water holds a universal fascination for individualsof all ages, especially children. Children love to pour, splash, drizzle, spray, mix, and wade in the water.
The attraction water holds is easily satisfied - water is always nearby in a tub, in a sink, in a toilet or out of a hose, or in any body of water.
Unfortunately, the water that fascinates and surrounds our children can lead to drowning or near-drowning tragedies. It takes very little water and just a minute for a young child to drown.
Each year nationwide, about 300 children under the age of 5 drown. This does not include the number of near drownings unreported.
Drownings may occur during swimming, boating, hunting, fishing and while taking a bath. Even people who never intended to go into the water are at risk. They may simply fall or slip in and not know what to do.
The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in, on and around the water is to learn to swim.
*A child can drown in the time it takes to answer the phone or running to get a towel.
*Most young victims are usually missing from the sight of an adult for less than 5 minutes.
RESOURCES
The American Red Cross, a leader in water safety education since 1914 and Swim Central, Broward County's swimming headquarters have teamed up to reduce the risk of drowning. FREE water safety information is available through a program called Target Zero - because even one drowning is too many! This free program is available to groups of 8 or more. For information on water safety, swimming lessons, boating safety and other programs, including scheduling a Target Zero Presentation, call (954) 797-3800 or visit the website at www.arcbcc.org
American Red Cross has over 700 local chapters, find out how you can help build a safer community by contacting your local Red Cross www.redcross.org
To find a facility that offers swim lessons, call Swim Central at (954) 357- SWIM (7946)
or visit their website at www.broward.org/parks/swimcentral.htm to locate a facility in your community. Encourage your child's school to participate in Swim Central water safety education lessons throughout the school year.
Swim Instructors/Schools
United States Swim Academy - 954-509-1177, www.us-swim.com
Quality Swimming, Inc., www.qualityswimming.com - 954-487-8276
Lessons with Julie, www.SwimwithMrBlue.com - 954-956-9955
Baby Otter Swim School, Inc. - 954-704-0080, 888-SWIM-KID
The Pediatric Drowning Prevention Task Force, call 954-344-3344 or visit their website at www.watersafekids.org
Broward Health offers numerous CPR classes. For more information call 954-344-3344 or visit their website
at www.browardhealth.org
IMSAFE.COM
For more information on:
Pool Fencing, look in the yellow pages under Pool Fencing/Pool Fence Companies.
We have met with Alan Roth at Safety Barrier Pool Fence and Scott at Pool Guard
Door Alarms, look in the yellow pages under Home Improvement/Hardware Stores.
CPR classes for infants and children, look in the yellow pages under CPR classes or check with your local fire department, hospital or America Red Cross.
For more information about drowning prevention and pool safety, please visit www.sheriff.org/drowning
ORGAN DONATION
www.shareyourlife.org
Life Alliance, Organ Recovery Agency
www.laora.org
