Water Safety

Summertime fun is around the corner and Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue would like to remind parents and guardians just how quickly tragedy can strike when youngsters are in or around water.

Did you know drowning is the leading cause of death for Florida children between the ages of 1 and 4? One minute is all it takes for a child to drown! It is extremely important to know preventative measures before you go swimming - it can save the lives of the people you care most about!

To reduce the risk of drowning, Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue recommends:

• Adopting layers of protection, including physical barriers, such as a four-foot or taller fence with self-closing, self-latching gates.
• When children are in or near the water, always have a "Water Watcher," a responsible adult keeping an eye on the pool.
• Flotation devices are not a substitute for supervision.
• Swim in safe areas only, pay attention to posted lifeguard signs and beach flags.
• Do not swim in canals and spillways. Canals contain deadly hazards, both visible and invisible. Spillways are a passage for surplus water and runs over or around obstructions. They are not made to play in and a quick dip can cost you your life.
• Teach children water safety and swimming skills as early as possible.
• Learn CPR, it is an important skill to have and can save a life.

The Palm Beach Gardens Aquatic Complex provides group and private swimming lessons for ages six months and up as well as swimming lessons for those with disabilities. Call 561-630-1100 or visit their website.

For more information regarding CPR, contact your local American Red Cross.

For more information on water safety tips and drowning prevention, please visit the Palm Beach County Drowning Prevention Coalition website.

Swimming is a great recreational sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.