By Lesley Keays
Herald Columnist
National Water Safety Month is upon us. Both state and local groups wish to remind individuals that water safety is a critical public safety issue, especially at this time of year.
The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County (DOH-Seminole) is educating the community on drowning prevention and how to enjoy safely the state’s many lakes, rivers, beaches, and pools.
Water safety is everyone’s responsibility. Whether a parent, caregiver, neighbor, or community group member, everyone plays a role in drowning prevention.
A few sobering statistics:
- Last year, 112 children died by drowning in the state of Florida, with the majority of those being children under age 4.
- Young children ages 1-4 are most likely to drown in a home swimming pool.
- Children ages 5 and older are more likely to drown in natural bodies of water.
DOH-Seminole highlights the importance of following the water safety tips below:
- Never leave a child alone or unattended around water. Always monitor children in and around water, including bathtubs, pools, and open bodies of water.
- If a child is missing, immediately check pools and surrounding bodies of water.
- Use barriers such as fences, self-closing/self-latching gates, and secure doors with alarms to prevent children from entering bodies of water.
- Always keep a phone nearby in case of a 9-1-1 emergency.
- Avoid swimming in water with an open cut or wound. To avoid skin infection, the wound should be washed with clean, running water and soap and covered with a clean, dry, bandage.
Even the strongest swimmer can encounter risk swimming in open water vs. a pool. Follow these tips when swimming specifically at a beach or lake:
- Swim It: Always swim with a friend, and only swim when safety flags and signs give the all-clear to do so.
- Shore It: If you have a weakened immune system, a cut on your skin, or don’t have a person to swim with, stay on dry land.
- Dodge It: If you encounter animals that live near or in the water, stay away. Also, do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercrafts or come into contact with waters where there are visible algal blooms, like red tide and blue-green algae.
Wasting no time to remind locals of water safety precautions, the City of Oviedo recently invited curious learners to its Riverside Park Pool for a swimming safety refresh.
Formal swimming lessons help reduce the risk of drowning, especially in children, who learn critical skills should they accidentally fall into water. Such lessons can teach children calmly how to float, tread water, and exit a pool safely, while building their confidence in the water.
“Swimming lessons are available here from children aged six months to adults and seniors,” stated Kristen Stansell, Aquatics Supervisor at City of Oviedo. “We invited parents and kids in preparation for children starting their swimming lessons next week.”
This past April, the City’s Aquatics Team began offering swimming lessons for all ages. Additionally, Oviedo manages a Special Needs Activity Program (SNAP) with Starfish Academy Institute (SAI)-certified instructions. These lessons in particular are crucial for children with special needs who will be in the vicinity of water this summer.
The Aquatics Team, including StarGuard Elite-certified City Lifeguards, spoke candidly about the importance of teaching children how to swim.
Bodies of water exist everywhere we go in Florida,” notes Stansell. “In Oviedo, we teach our youth not just swimming lessons, but water safety skills, in the event something unexpected happens,” she explained.
City of Oviedo Communications Manager Lisa McDonald was available on location to field questions. Additionally, The Wesley Seth Foundation was present to discuss installing life-saving alarms on windows and doors, should an unattended child accidentally slip out of watchful sight.
“Our theme is ‘Aquatics for All’,” declared Stansell. “Oviedo offers one-on-one swimming lessons for individuals on the spectrum. We offer lessons for low-income families. Our goal is for everyone to become trained so they can enjoy their time in the water safely and comfortably.”
In Winter Springs, the WSPD offers additional tips for staying mindful while at the pool, beach, or local waterways. Such activities are a terrific way to stay cool, however they also come with serious risks. Even brief distractions can lead to serious consequences.
- As a Parent or Guardian, learn how to swim and ensure your children know how to swim as well.
- Always designate a responsible “water watcher” who is actively supervising and not distracted by phones or conversations.
- Avoid alcohol when swimming or supervising children.
- Make sure your body of water matches your skill level. Currents and conditions can change quickly.
- If caught in a current, remain calm. Float if needed, and swim parallel to shore until you are out of the current.
- Do not dive into unfamiliar water.
- Learn CPR. In an emergency, it can save a life before first responders arrive.
- Install a barrier at least four feet high around spas and pools, including portable pools, in accordance with local safety requirements. If your home serves as one side of the barrier, install and use door or pool alarms.
- Keep pool and spa covers in good working condition. Ensure drains have compliant safety covers to reduce the risk of entrapment.
- Whenever possible, swim in designated areas where lifeguards are present.
- Pay attention to posted warnings, flags, and changing weather conditions.
- Be aware of rip currents and follow all local safety guidance.
A few simple precautions can make all the difference. Stay aware and prepared.
