Backup Documents 10/26/2010 Item # 4DPROCLAMATION D id
WHEREAS, drowning in Florida is the leading cause of accidental death among children under the age
of five years and for every child that drowns, another four are hospitalized for near -
drowning, many with long -term health issues requiring extensive care; and
WHEREAS, the economic impact of childhood near - drowning cases is substantial: according to the
Florida Department of Health, the median admission charge for non -fatal drowning
hospitalizations was $10,713, the total for one year exceeded $16 million; and,
WHEREAS, Collier County has not been spared from this preventable tragedy. Last year, Collier
County hospitals cared for 4 drowning and 20 near - drowning victims under the age of 18,
and,
WHEREAS, a group of concerned child advocates from over 20 government and non - profit agencies
have combined efforts to establish the Safe and Healthy Children's Coalition of Collier
County; to create programs focused on injury prevention and health promotion for Collier's
youngest residents; and,
WHEREAS, NCH Healthcare System will serve as lead partner of this newly created Coalition; and,
WHEREAS, the Vision of the Safe d Healthy Children's Coalition is to augment health outcomes and
prevent iyuries among children (0 -18 years of age) within Collier County. And the
Mission of the Safe d Healthy Children's Coalition is to facilitate partnerships with local
agencies to develop synergistic programs that address defined health and ItUary
prevention issues involving Collier County youth, and,
WHEREAS, the Safe and Healthy Children's Coalition of Collier County will promote and expand low -
cost water safety education and instruction programs and opportunities for Collier's
children; and,
WHEREAS, for this water safety campaign, the Coalition's area community partners include the NCH
Healthcare System, Collier County Parks and Recreation, American Red Cross of Collier
County, Collier County Sheriff Office, Collier EMS, Early Learning Coalition of Southwest
Florida, Collier County Health Department, Collier County Public Schools, Physicians
Regional, YMCA of the Palms, SWIM Central Broward, 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 October 26, 2010 be designated as
THE SAFE AND HEALTHY CHILDREN'S COALITION WATER SAFETY DAY
and encourages all residents of Collier County to become aware and participate in this
countywide water safety education and instruction initiative in our communities.
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 26th Day of October, 2010.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA j
FRED COYLE, CHAIRMAN
ATTEST: i
CLERK