Be Water Smart: Tips to Ensure a Safe Swim Season

"Dry drowning" can occur after a person is submerged or inhales water through the nose or mouth, causing a spasm in the airway and difficulty breathing. Dry drowning can occur less than one hour after inhaling water. If a person is rescued from a "near" drowning, and they continue to cough or have difficulty breathing, call 9-1-1- and seek medical attention immediately.   

Helpful Tips to Ensure Safety Around Water:
• Supervision: Always watch kids closely when they’re in or near the water.
• Have a dedicated watcher: When gathering in large groups, assign one adult to watch one or two specific children, so someone is always looking out for kids.
• Choose the right location to swim:  Swim near a lifeguard. If you’re swimming in areas without a lifeguard, don’t do so alone. Make sure someone knows where you are and is keeping an eye out.
• Install perimeter protection: Install fences and gates around pools.
• Pay attention to safety warnings. If a beach or pool has “No swimming!” signs, take that seriously, even if things look safe. There’s usually a good reason why you shouldn’t take a dip.

Additional Resources:
• Check out Learn to Swim options available in Hollywood and find coupons for reduced rates for kids’ swim lessons
• Watch the City of Hollywood’s swim safety video for helpful hints and tips: YouTube Video    
• Coupon for swim lessons - https://watersmartbroward.org/swim-coupon/
• Visit: www.watersmartfl.com

Operation Paintbrush
Give your house a makeover with free recycled paint from the City of Hollywood!

Operation Paintbrush provides up to 20 gallons of high-quality exterior latex paint for free to single-family homeowners and non-profit organizations in Hollywood. 100% of the latex paint collected through the Broward County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program is recycled into new, high-quality exterior paint which is then provided to participating cities at no cost. Paint can be picked up at the Department of Public Works, Saturday, April 27th from 8 a.m. until noon at 1600 S. Park Road in Hollywood beginning at 8 a.m. Distribution is on a first-come, first-served basis while the City's supply lasts.

To participate, you must provide your current driver’s license with Hollywood address and a current utility bill as proof of Hollywood residency. The paint colors offered are off-white, beige, terracotta, gray, and turquoise.