MANATEE COUNTY, FL (June 17, 2020) – Today is the first Water Safety Wednesday, marking the launch of a summer long campaign to bring pool safety awareness to local families and visitors with young children.
EMS will partner with Manatee Sheriff's Office and Safe Kids Florida Suncoast to deliver important messages about drowning prevention/water safety for kids.
"We strongly recommend parents enroll children in swimming lessons when you feel they are ready," Dwyer said. "Children need to know how to tread water, float and stay by the shore. In all cases, there's no substitute for active adult supervision."
There have been six pediatric drowning and near-drowning incidents in Manatee County since March. Florida leads the country in drowning deaths for children, according to Manatee County Public Safety Department.
Follow Manatee County on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@ManateeGov) to see water safety tips every Wednesday.