The Drowning Prevention Coalition (DPC) of Palm Beach County encourages parents, caregivers, pool owners and vacationers to make drowning prevention a top priority this holiday weekend.
According to the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office, the county averages 48 drowning deaths per year with seniors and children ages 1 to 4 having the highest drowning rates in the county based on population.
Don’t let a loved one become a statistic. Use the following water safety recommendations:
1) Maintain vigilant adult supervision when children are in or near water.
2) Do not use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision. “Water wings” or “floaties,” inflatable water rings and other pool toys, are NOT safety devices. Only U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets are designed and tested for safety.
3) Always swim at a lifeguarded beach and pay attention to the posted beach flags.
4) Wear properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets when boating, paddle boarding, kayaking and jet skiing if you are not a strong swimmer.
5) Learn CPR.
6) When at a party, designate a sober adult water watcher (using a distinguishable item such as a lanyard or funny hat) for 15-minute intervals. The water watcher’s sole responsibility is to walk around the pool and watch the area without distraction. After 15 minutes, give the distinguishable item to another adult for the next watch.
Having supervision and never swimming alone are primary factors in preventing water-related injuries. Enjoy the holiday, but remember, pay attention to drowning prevention.
For more information on water safety lessons and water safety/drowning prevention education, please visit pbcgov.org/dpc or call 561-616-7068. The coalition is funded by the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners and the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County and managed by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.