Backup Documents 05/23/2017 Item # 4B 4
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, deaths from drowning for children 5 or younger in Florida are more than double the
national average; and,
WHEREAS, Drowning is the leading cause of death in children aged 1 to 4 in Collier County; and,
WHEREAS, swimming lessons have been proven to decrease the risk of drowning in children,
especially in Florida where more than two-thirds of drowning deaths happen in
swimming pools; and,
WHEREAS, Collier County and NCH's Safe Healthy Children's Coalition has worked together on
a countywide campaign to prevent drowning since 2012; and,
WHEREAS, The Collier County Parks and Recreation Division will once again discount Level 1 swim
lessons for lessons started between May 15 and Aug. 31 at all county aquatic
locations for children 5 and younger; and,
WHEREAS, the discount, which amounts to $8 off the $40 cost for eight classes, is included in
the Water Smart Prescription Booklets, which are presented to families through their
pediatricians and family practitioners at well child checkups between 9 months and 5
years of age; and,
WHEREAS, families can take those booklets with the discount to one of three county aquatic
centers - the Immokalee Sports Complex, the Golden Gate Aquatic Facility or Sun-n-
Fun Lagoon to sign up; and,
WHEREAS, the swim lessons discounts expand on the partnership between Collier County and the
Safe & Healthy Children's Coalition, which also includes the placement of life jacket
loaner stations at 15 areas around Collier County, including five County beaches; and,
WHEREAS, Collier County and the Safe and Healthy Children's Coalition are committed to doing
what we can to keep Collier County children safe and healthy while helping them learn
to swim.
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County,
Florida, that May 2017 be designated as
NATIONAL WATER SAFETY MONTH IN COLLIER COUNTY
H J/4,v ,, DONE AND ORDERED THIS 23rd Day of May 2017.
/ a BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
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K( / COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
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�,�)�ti l '�'��\, PENNY T LO , CHAIRMAN