As the July 4th weekend signals a high tide of festive merriment, it brings with it a pressing reminder of water safety. The Drowning Prevention Coalition (DPC) of Palm Beach County is amplifying their call for vigilance to combat a chilling statistic: nearly 300 children under 5 drown in pools and spas annually, with an additional 3,000 enduring injuries necessitating ER visits, according to recent reports.

Urging individuals to expect the unexpected and also take precautions, the DPC has outlined essential water safety practices, such as remaining under constant adult supervision, and learning how to escape rip currents by not panicking, and swimming parallel to the shoreline, pool area physical barriers are a must that include self-closing, self-latching gates, while door and window alarms should sound when breached.

Drowning prevention is multifaceted, involving pool safety covers conforming to ASTM F1346-91 standards, pool surface alarms certified by ASTM F2208, wearable alarms for kids, and steering clear of pool and spa drains. Additionally, the designation of an attentive “Water Watcher” at events who rotates every 15 minutes, ensures undistracted supervision over the aquatic festivities. Boating or being near water bodies warrants the wearing of US Coast Guard approved life jackets, particularly for non-swimmers, as highlighted by local safety officials.

While enjoying the holiday cheer, the collective consciousness must be attuned to these safety protocols, a sentiment echoed by the DPC with firm nods to practicality and prevention, visit the coalition’s website or call their hotline at 561-616-7068 for more information on water safety lessons and education, this assistance comes with the combined support from the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners and the Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County and managed by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.