Published On: Sat, Sep 4th, 2021

Using Water Safety Practices During the Holiday Can Save Lives

Commisioner Robert S Weinroth reminds residents that during the Labor Day holiday, the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Palm Beach County encourages parents, caregivers, pool owners and vacationers to make drowning prevention a top priority.

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 years 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 beach flags.

4.      Wear properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets when boating, paddle boarding, kayaking, or jet skiing, and it is highly recommended for those who are not strong swimmers to wear them.             

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 trying to prevent 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 the DPC website atwww.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.

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