Beat the heat and drowning risks. Water Safety Day returns to Pines YMCA
As summer nears, Pembroke Pines is bringing some relief from the heat and one of the biggest threats to child safety: drowning.
Water Safety Day returns to the YMCA Acquatic Center, 1361 NW 129th Ave., on Saturday, May 2, bringing with it pool fun, free entertainment and workshops with first responders that are sure to make a splash.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to noon and requires no registration or admission to attend — just show up in your swim gear.
Headlining the fun are “water related activities” at the center’s pool and water park, vendors, giveaways, a live DJ and food, per the City of Pembroke Pines.
Residents can also meet police officers, firefighters and paramedics who will teach and demonstrate life-saving water safety tips and skills.
All attendees will have a chance to learn CPR and win free “water safety-related” giveaways.
“Come out, have fun, and learn how to stay safe in and around the water,” the Pembroke Pines Fire Department said in an April 13 Instagram post.
Pines’ annual Water Safety Day is held in collaboration with National Water Safety Month and the county’s Water SMART initiative, which advocates for child drowning awareness and provides swim lesson vouchers.
Child drownings are the leading cause of unintentional death for those ages 1 to 4 in Florida, with the state leading the nation in fatal incidents yearly, according to the Department of Children and Families.
The fire agency adds that drownings can occur in less than 3 inches of water or in under six minutes underwater.
Events such as Water Safety Day, which emphasize the importance of adult supervision and teaching kids to swim early, are key to reducing those numbers, according to PPFD.
“Never rely on responsible behavior from your child, another child, or other adults. Know who is watching your child when you can’t be there,” the agency’s website says.
“Formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent. It’s never too late to learn to swim.”
