Hot weather and summer breaks are almost here, which means kids will be itching to dive into the cool waters of springs and swimming pools.
That's why the Apopka Fire Department, Apopka Police Department, Camp Wewa, and the Live for Brie Foundation have teamed up to provide an instructional water safety course for Apopka residents. This unique opportunity will combine hands-on training and educational lessons designed to teach parents and children the necessary safety procedures when in and around water.
According to the Florida Department of Health, Florida was ranked the highest in the U.S. from 2017 to 2019 combined for unintentional drowning death rate among children ages 1 to 4 years (6.29 per 100,000 population). Florida had the highest unintentional drowning death rate of 3.28 per 100,000 population among children 0 to 9 years of age compared to other states. Annually there are enough children under the age of 5 lost to drowning (67 in 2017, 74 in 2018 and 50 in 2019) to fill three or four preschool classrooms.
Most infant drownings occur in just a few inches of water such as a bathtub or bucket, per WaterSmartFL.com. Home swimming pools are where most children ages 1-4 are likely to drown. Ages 5 years through adulthood are more likely to drown in natural bodies of water. Each body of water comes with its own safety measures, many of which overlap.
But drowning is preventable.
That's why this Free Water Safety Class for safety in and around water is being offered in Apopka.
Classes will be held in the following groups:
All participants must fall into the age range of 3 to 8 years old.
Please note that Parent/Guardian supervision is required for the entire duration of class. Participants must attend ALL four classes within the program session. Please sign up only if you know you are able to fully participate, thank you.
Time: 6 PM to 7 PM
Location: Camp Wewa, 221 S. Binion Road, Apopka, FL 32703
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED: Register Online through City of Apopka's Rec1 page.
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