Backup Documents 05/22/2018 Item # 4B 4 8
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Florida ranks first in the country in child drowning incidents, with enough children
drowning each year to fill three to four preschool classrooms, while in Collier
County, drowning is the leading external cause of death for children one to four
years old; and,
WHEREAS, NCH Safe & Healthy Children Coalition of Collier County, a group of more than
70 local agencies working to improve health outcomes and prevent childhood
injury, is committed to reversing these disturbing trends; and,
WHEREAS, The NCH Safe & Healthy Children Coalition implemented a comprehensive
drowning prevention program based on research by the National Drowning
Prevention Alliance, recognizing that multiple layers of protection including
barriers, swim instruction, proper rescue techniques, and CPR training are
necessary; and,
WHEREAS, in March 2012 the Coalition began SWIM Central, a water safety course, and
now has taught more than 43,968 lessons to nearly 5,143 children; and,
WHEREAS, in February 2014, the Coalition launched the "Kids Don't Float...Give Them
Something That Does" Life Jacket Loaner Program, with 15 loaner stations at
lakes and beaches throughout the county, each with 20 life jackets in a range
of sizes; and,
WHEREAS, Stewie the Duck, water safety mascot, joined the Coalition in 2016; and,
WHEREAS, drowning prevention is the first step in developing a healthy relationship with
the water, which can combat physical inactivity and promote lifelong fitness.
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County,
Florida, that May, 2018 be designated as
NATIONAL WATER SAFETY MONTH IN COLLIER COUNTY
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 22nd Day of May, 2018.
(c l)\\ 4 1 t,//41 BOARD OF COUNTY • MISSIONERS
(( i 4)> COLLIER COUNT`, " ORIDA
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