PBC Drowning Prevention Coalition- Be Water Smart (New Information!) (August 2021)

Issue Ten- August 2021:

By Mercedes Barreto

Swimming can be fun, but it can also take a life. Don’t risk the dangers in light of an experience, and be prepared. The Drowning Prevention Coalition of Palm Beach County is all about taking the right and first preventative steps, so when the time comes, you know that you, your children, and the whole family will be ready for that water and swimming experience without risking the safety of anyone.

What are some new and upcoming advancements that the PBC Drowning Prevention Coalition has achieved? Why so, and how so, and in 2021 this year?

“In collaboration with area government agencies and nonprofits, The Drowning Prevention Coalition spearheaded the publication of a “Be Water Smart” booklet geared towards audiences of all ages. In light of COVID-19, the booklet includes QR codes so readers can leisurely scan additional water safety information from their phone or tablet. The booklet focuses on the ABCDs of water safety, for regardless of one’s age, race, gender, socio-economic background, and swimming capability, a drowning incident can occur. With the help of our key stakeholders (i.e. Palm Beach County Health Department, Department of Children and Families, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, County, and City Park and Recreation Departments), these booklets have been distributed throughout our County as well as electronically sent to 180+ pediatric offices in our area.”

Has there been an improvement in educating and informing of drowning prevention in recent years? How effective has progress been lately, and with Covid involved, even? What impact does the pandemic have on the organization’s efforts?

“There has been much improvement in educating and informing the public about drowning prevention thanks to the variety of social media platforms available to the public (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Youtube). The pandemic has certainly curtailed in-person water safety education but has also opened up a whole new world of virtual water safety presentations that have never been explored before. With virtual presentations, we are reaching new audiences who would otherwise not attend an in-person educational event.”

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What are three words in specific detail, which describe the vision for the future of the establishment? What can the organization be expected to do for our community and abroad in future years? What measures success for your organization?

“Zero Accidental Drowning deaths in Palm Beach County is the vision and hope for the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Palm Beach County. We are looking to work closely with Discover the Palm Beaches to educate visitors about the importance of water safety and drowning prevention via visitor centers, area hotels/motels through innovative public service announcements, our Be Water Smart booklet, and sharing of the Coalition website. When program attendees thank us for our valuable information and express they intend to make changes to make themselves and their family water safe and water-smart, we are successful.”

Where can we find more information regarding the coalition, and why should we? Why is it so vital that we get on board with the education of drowning prevention? Are there any relevant statistics to this?

“More information about the Coalition can be found on its website at www.pbcgov.org/dpc Being surrounded by water in Palm Beach County, the community must get on board with water safety education. Drowning incidents are preventable if the necessary precautions are taken (i.e. vigilant supervision, never swimming alone, learning to swim). Palm Beach County averages 48 drowning deaths per year with seniors and children ages 1-4 having the highest drowning rate based on population.”

What describes the gratification of drowning prevention education amongst those involved? What difference does this make, not only to save lives but to teach a vital skill?

“Drowning prevention is usually not at the forefront of people’s minds until a drowning incident occurs close to home. The Coalition’s job is to be proactive and try to prevent drowning incidents from occurring in the first place. We do this through in-person presentations (when able), and virtually to audiences of all ages. After conducting an educational program and witnessing enthusiastic participants agree to make behavioral changes, or paying for swim lessons for a child and receiving a thank you note from a caregiver, only re-iterates the need for and appreciation for our organization.”

Anything you would like to add here?

“The Drowning Prevention Coalition offers free/reduced-cost swim lessons year-round to qualified children ages 2-12 and their immediate caregivers. Virtual and in-person water safety presentations are provided year-round and to audiences of all ages as well. Interested in having the Coalition attend a safety event with an educational display in Palm Beach County? Let us know!”