Backup Documents 05/26/2015 Item # 4D 4 0
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Florida ranks number one in the USA for child drowning
incidents; and,
WHEREAS, Between 2000-2014, drowning was the leading external cause of
death for children 1 to 4 years of age in Collier County, and
the NCH Safe and Healthy Children's Coalition is committed to
reversing these disturbing trends; and,
WHEREAS, Since SWIM Central, a series of ten 30 minute water safety
lessons began in 2012, 1,433 children have participated, and 11,783
water safety lessons have been taught thanks to the generous
donations of the Naples Children cc Education Foundation, Nap/es
Winter Wine Festival and 21st Century Oncology; and,
1 WHEREAS, In February 2014, the Coalition launched a campaign, "Kids Don't
Float, Give Them Something That Does, "as a Life Jacket Loaner
Program and life jacket loaner stations are strategically located
throughout Collier County at parks and beaches; and,
WHEREAS, More than 50 agencies within Collier County have combined
efforts to create programs to improve health outcomes and
prevent childhood injury, and drowning prevention is the first
step in developing a healthy relationship with the water; and,
WHEREAS, The. Board of Collier County Commissioners this month unanimously approved a
20 percent discount for all Collier County children ages 5 and under for level 1
swim lessons, partnering with the NCH Safe and Healthy Children's Coalition to
get the word out through the Water Smart Kids prescription booklets;
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of
Collier County, Florida, that May 2015 be designated as
DROWNING PREVENTION MONTH
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 26th Day of May, 2015
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
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TIM NANCE, CHAIRMAN