Second Tragic Drowning in Central Florida in Just 5 Days

Sandy Grinnell — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:47:45 GMT

Floridians have barely had time to open up their pools from the winter season and we have had the second toddler drowning in just 5 days.

It was reported in the Orlando Sentinel that a 4 year-old girl was found in the swimming pool of a Lakeland motel around noon yesterday. A 38 year-old woman who was caring for the 4 year-old and a 3 year-old said she fed them breakfast and then laid down to go to sleep. When she got up the children were missing. The 3 year-old was found okay, but the 4 year-old died after arriving at the hospital.

It cannot be said often enough that when children are anywhere near a pool, they cannot be left alone for a second. As was reported just last week, 441 children died by accidental drowning between 2001 and 2006.

Florida's Department of Health has a Drowning Prevention Campaign entitled "Keep your Eyes on Your Kids", with the lofty goal of "ZERO Drownings in Florida." The plan is that you pledge to be a safe water watcher.

Water Watcher Pledge

To help protect children from drowning, I will...

Constantly watch the children who are in or near water and keep them within reach.
Give this tag to another adult who agrees to actively watch the children if I need to leave for any reason.
Make sure rescue equipment is easily accessible. Keep telephone and emergency numbers with me.
Latch gates, lock doors, use alarms and create two or more barriers to the pool, spa or any water.
Once I leave the water, I will make sure a child cannot return without my knowledge.

Drowning is silent and fast. Supervision is your child's best protection.

Whether or not you have a pool in your yard, you could do yourself a favor by checking out their website to ensure your kids stay SAFE this summer.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Sandy Grinnell

Orlando Personal Injury Lawyer - Prevention Of Accidental Drownings

Second Tragic Drowning in Central Florida in Just 5 Days