Backup Documents 05/12/2020 Item #16H 3 16H 3
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 1-
4 years old; and
WHEREAS, NCH Safe & Healthy Children Coalition of Collier County, a group of over 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 has 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, as one aspect of the program, in March 2012 the Coalition began offering
SWIM Central, a water safety course, and now has taught over 65,260 lessons
to nearly 7,842 children; thanks to the generosity of the Naples Children &
Education Foundation; 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, 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 2020 be designated as
DROWNING PREVENTION MONTH
IN COLLIER COUNTY
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 12th Day of May 2020.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA
BURT L. SAUNDERS, CHAIRMAN