Backup Documents 04/24/2012 Item # 4CPROCLAMATION 4
WHEREAS, the state of Florida ranks number one in the country in child drowning incidents; and,
WHEREAS, between 2000 and 2011, drowning was the leading external cause of death for children
age 1 -4 years in Collier County; and,
WHEREAS, the Safe 4 Healthy Children's Coalition of Collier County is committed to reversing these
disturbing trends, and,
WHEREAS, in 2011, the Safe dr Healthy Children's Coalition launched the Water Safety Prescription
Campaign in Collier County with local pediatricians distributing "Water Smart Babies
Prescription" brochures with valuable water safety information in English, Spanish and
Creole at annual well visits for children aged 1 -4; and,
WHEREAS, the Safe d Healthy Children's Coalition of Collier County is bringing the highly successful
SWIM CENTRAL PROGRAM, developed in Broward County, to address the growing number
of drowning and near - drowning child victims, providing ten 30 minute lessons over a two
week period with hopes to reach 700 children aged 4 -5 during the spring and fall months;
and,
WHEREAS, over 40 government and nonprofit agencies with Collier County have combined efforts to
create programs to improve health outcome and prevent childhood injury; and,
WHEREAS, the Safe 4 Healthy Children's Coalition Water Safety initiative encourages all residents
of Collier County to promote drowning prevention and increase awareness of and
participation in countywide water safety education and instruction to foster a health
relationship with the water.
NOW THEREFORE, be it proclaimed by the Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, Florida,
that April be designated as
DROWNIN6 PREVENTION MONTH
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 24th Day of April 2012.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
FRED W. COYLE, CHAIRMA