Florida loses more children under age five to drowning than any other state. Annually in Florida, enough children to fill three to four preschool classrooms drown and do not live to see their fifth birthday.
It only takes a minute. You look away, you may not hear the splash and your child is nowhere in sight. Drowning – the harsh reality of losing a child in as little as 20 seconds.
Sadly, there are approximately 3500 fatal unintentional (non-boating) drowning deaths a year in the United States. The Lady Lake Police Department is committed to educating parents and caregivers about taking precautions to help end these preventable tragedies.Living in Central Florida, we are surrounded by water. Although children may know how to swim, if left unsupervised, they can drown in less than two inches of water. When participating in outdoor water activities, I encourage you to follow these safety-conscious behaviors:
- NEVER leave children unsupervised in or around a body of water – even for a moment.
- Children can drown in as little as two inches of water in less than one minute.
- Install a self-closing gate or child safety fence around the pool.
- Alarm every door leading to water to alert you if a child has gone outside.
- Teach children water and swimming skills as soon as they can crawl.
- During pool parties or family fun gatherings, designate an adult to watch the children.
- Remove any toys that may attract children to the pool area.
- Install a pool cover to securely cover the water area.
- Install a poolside, cordless phone.
- Keep lifesaving equipment – a pole, life preserver and rope – in the pool area.
- Children with long hair should clip it back or wear a cap in the pool.
- Avoid keeping water in buckets or other large containers when toddlers are home.
- Don’t rely on flotation devices to protect your children in the water.
Drowning Prevention Checklist
- CONSTANT adult supervision by an adult who knows how to swim
- Childproof locks on all doors leading to water
- Gate or fence surrounding water
- Gate or fence is self-closing with a lock
- Pool cover is in use
- Alarms for doors and windows leading to pool are activated
- Child has completed swim lessons
- Above-ground pool stairs removed when pool not in use
- Lifesaving equipment in pool area
- Pool chemicals and supplies are locked in a secure area
- Child is watched in bathtub at all times
- Parent and / or caregiver know CPR
While you are out enjoying a fun day in the water this summer, please remember to be responsible and practice safety. Make a commitment to safeguard our children from becoming victims of this entirely preventable tragedy.
Stay safe and enjoy your summer!
