Stay Safe This Swim Season: Be Water Smart

South Florida Sun Times

May 15, 2025

Swim Season Is Here And While It’s A Great Time To Enjoy The Water, It's Also Important To Keep Safety Top Of Mind—Especially For Young Children. Florida Sadly Leads The Nation In Drowning Deaths Among Children Ages 1 To 4. These Tragedies Can Happen In The Short Time It Takes To Answer A Phone Call Or Step Inside For Just A Moment.

To help prevent drowning, it's critical to have multiple layers of protection around any body of water, whether it’s a pool, bathtub, lake, or the ocean. To learn more, visit: www.watersmartfl.com

What to Know About “Dry Drowning”:

Even after someone is out of the water, they may still be in danger. Dry drowning can occur within an hour after water is inhaled through the nose or mouth. It can trigger a spasm in the airway, leading to troubled breathing. If someone has a near-drowning experience and continues to cough or seems to be struggling to breathe, call 9-1-1 and get medical help right away!

Smart Water Safety Tips:

Keep eyes on kids at all times: Supervision is the most important layer of protection.

Assign a water watcher: In group settings, choose an adult to be responsible for specific children. Rotate this duty so someone is always alert and watching.

Swim in safe places: Always choose spots with lifeguards when possible. If swimming somewhere without one, never go alone and make sure someone knows where you are.

Secure your pool: Use fences, gates and alarms to keep children from accessing water when adults aren’t present.

Respect warnings: Pay attention to “No Swimming” signs. They’re posted for a reason, even if conditions look calm.

Helpful Resources:

Explore local Learn to Swim programs in Hollywood and find discounts for kids’ lessons and watch the City of Hollywood’s swim safety YouTube video. Grab a swim lesson coupon at: www.watersmartbroward.org/swim-coupon

For more safety tips, visit: www.watersmartfl.com