- December 3, 2024
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This article is co-authored by Easterseals Northeast Central Florida, Early Learning Coalition of Flagler & Volusia, The NASCAR Foundation, Halifax Health Healthy Communities, Rotary Club of Daytona Beach, Volusia-Flagler YMCA, Deltona Fire Department and Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood.
Our community is grieving the tragic loss of two young children this past week, a heartbreaking event that has shaken us all. While we cannot fully comprehend the depth of their families’ pain, we stand united in honoring their memory by working to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
These devastating events serve as a stark reminder: drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children aged 1-4. The tragedy is that many of these losses are preventable through education and access to life-saving resources.
Every child deserves the chance to grow up safe, confident and empowered around water. In Florida, where water is a central part of our lives, drowning remains an all-too-common threat.
For children with unique needs, such as autism, the risk is even greater —research shows they are 160 times more likely to experience drowning than their peers. It’s time for all of us — parents, caregivers, community leaders, and organizations — to come together and make water safety and drowning prevention a priority.
Water safety is not just an individual responsibility; it’s a shared mission. Across Volusia County, organizations are united in their commitment to ensuring that every family has access to water safety education and swim instruction. Together, we are creating a safer community through programs, resources, and support:
Each of these organizations plays a vital role in this collective effort, and we urge parents, caregivers, and community members to join us in this mission.
Preventing tragedies begins with awareness and action. Here are three steps everyone in our community can take today:
1. Enroll in Water Safety Programs: Programs like Easterseals’ Float 4 Life and YMCA swim lessons provide life-saving skills.
2. Create Layers of Protection: Pool fences, alarms and teaching children water safety skills collectively build a stronger safety net.
3. Learn Life-Saving Skills: CPR and basic water rescue techniques empower you to act quickly and confidently in an emergency.
We encourage all families to explore the programs available in our community. These resources are designed to meet children at their developmental level, offering supportive and effective learning experiences. We are also committed to supporting families who may face financial barriers to accessing these life-saving services.
While we cannot undo the pain of these recent tragedies, we can work together to prevent future losses. By fostering a culture of water safety and awareness, we honor the lives lost and create a safer environment for all children.
Let us stand united in this mission, because together, we can make a difference.
