Swim Lesson Coupons For Broward Kids Between 6 Months & 4 Years Old
Information courtesy of Water Smart Broward!, SWIM Central, and the Florida Department of Health in Broward County
The Children's Services Council of Broward County funds SWIM Central to provide a coupon with a value of $40 to help off-set swimming instruction for children ages 6 months to 4 years old (Broward County residents only). Get a coupon and see a list of participating sites on the Water Smart Broward website!
The Florida Department of Health will be hosting their 2nd annual South Florida Water Safety Symposium on Feb, 22, from 9:00a.m. – 5:00p.m. This event is a tri-county educational opportunity designed for all professionals that may come in contact with children. The Focus of the symposium will be on drowning prevention in South Florida, drowning statistics, and the proactive methods that we as a region agree upon to help combat the issue. Call Cassie McGovern at 954-952-8755 for more information.
Did you know drowning is the leading cause of injury death to children from 1 to 4 years old? The majority of children who drown in home pools were not expected to be in or even near the pool. Most children who drown in a home pool enter the water without the knowledge of their parent or caregiver. Children need capable, close and constant supervision, especially toddlers who easily and quickly leave a safe, supervised area unnoticed.
Simple Steps Saves Lives
The loss of a child is devastating to parents, siblings, grandparents, relatives and to a community. Drowning is almost always preventable with simple steps.
Parents need to talk to their child about water safety.
Here are some ideas to start with:
- "Don't go near a pool without an adult." This is the most important water safety conversation to have because it is so simple.
- If you see someone struggling in the water, don't jump in to help. Run and get an adult. And if you fall into a pool, don't panic. Turn around, find the wall and climb out or yell for help.
- Practice this skill in the pool with your child. Have the child practice wearing clothing to experience the sensation.
Drowning Is Quick AND Silent
- Drowning occurs in as little as 2 minutes.
- Irreversible brain damage occurs in as little as 4 minutes.
- Most children who drown are out of sight for less than 5 minutesand usually with one or both parents nearby.
- Most children die who are submerged for as little as 6-10 minutes.
The Children's Services Council of Broward County is an independent taxing authority which was established by a public referendum on September 5, 2000, and reauthorized via referendum on November 4, 2014, which, through Public Act, Chapter 2000-461 of the laws of Florida, authorized the Council to levy up to 0.5 mills of property taxes. The role of the Council is to provide the leadership, advocacy and resources necessary to enhance children's lives and empower them to become responsible, productive adults through collaborative planning and funding of a continuum of quality care. To learn more about programs and services the Children's Services Council funds, please call (954) 377-1000.
Above content provided by Children's Services Council of Broward County.
