Backup Documents 05/13/2025 Item # 4FPROCLAMATION
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 ages 1 to 4; and
WHEREAS, the NCH Safe &HealLily 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 has since taught more than 97,680 lessons to nearly 12,561
children, and
WHEREAS, in February 2014, the Coalition launched the "Kids Don't F1oat...Give Them Something
That Does" Life Jacket Loaner Program, with 15 loaner stations at lakes and beaches
throughout the county, each providing 20 life jackets in a range of sizes; and
WHEREAS, Stewie the Duck, a 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 2025 be designated as
DROWNTxIG PREVENTION MONTH IN COLLIER COUNTY
DONE AND ORDERED THIS 13th Day of May 2025.
Board of County Commissioners
L. Saunders, Chairman