Backup Documents 05/14/2013 Item # 4DPROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, the State of Florida ranks number one in the country in child drowning incidents, enough
children to fill three to four preschool classrooms, and,
WHEREAS, between 2000 and 2012, drowning was the leading external cause of death for children
ages 1 to 4 in Collier County; and,
WHEREAS, the Safe and Healthy Children's Coalition of Collier County is committed to reversing
these disturbing trends; and,
WHEREAS, in 2012, 500 children ages three to five from disadvantaged daycares participated in
SWIM Central water safety lessons, providing them with much needed access to swim
lessons; and,
WHEREAS, that same year, over 250 at -risk families received water safety education and door
alarms while 400 middle and high school students were trained in CPR and water safety;
and,
WHEREAS, the Safe and Healthy Children's Coalition comprehensive drowning prevention program is
based on research by the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA), which recognizes
multiple layers of protection are necessary to prevent drowning, these layers include
alarms alerting adults, dedicated adult supervision and most importantly, swim instruction,
proper rescue techniques and CPR training; and;
WHEREAS, over 45 government and nonprofit agencies within Collier County have combined efforts to
create programs to improve health outcomes and prevent childhood injury; and,
WHEREAS, drowning prevention is the first step in developing a healthy relationship with the water, a
relationship that 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 2013 be designated as
DROWNING PREVENTION MONTH
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 14th Day of May, 2013.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COWE8 COUNT, FLORIDA
GEORGIA A. HILLER, CHAIRWOMAN