April Pool's Day

The Safe & Healthy Children's Coalition of Collier County hosted its first annual April Pool's Day on April 27, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Golden Gate Aquatic Facility (3300 Santa Barbara Blvd). This event was geared toward teaching 4-5 year olds from local day care facilities various aspects of water safety. April Pool's Day activities included 10 water safety stations on different topics such as: home safety tips, personal flotation devices, swim basics for children, and water safety information to show children what to do if there is a drowning situation. Children learned these valuable life skills from local instructors affiliated with the American Red Cross, Collier County Parks and Recreation, City of Naples, YMCA of the Palms, Greater Marco Family YMCA, Collier County Kiwanis, Collier County EMS, Collier County Sheriff's Office, North Naples Fire Department, Immokalee Fire Department, East Naples Fire District, Physicians Regional Healthcare System, Collier County Health Department and NCH Healthcare System.




Recent statistics on water-related incidents in Collier County provide further evidence that water safety awareness is a serious matter. According to the Florida Department of Health - Bureau of Vital Statistics, drowning was the leading cause of death of children ages 1 to 4 in Collier County from 2004-2009. There were up to 70 water related incidents in infants and children seen at the NCH Healthcare System Emergency Departments in 2010. There were 19 children admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care or Pediatric Step Down Unit with six of the 19 requiring assistance with their breathing intubation and airway support and Physicians Regional Healthcare System had seven water-related incidents involving infants and children that required treatment at their emergency room between 2009-2010.




"April Pool's Day is a great way to start preparing children for a safe and fun summer of swimming; it is a great chance for children to have fun and learn skills that can actually save their life during a water emergency," reports Dr. Todd Vedder, Chair, Safe & Healthy Children's Coalition of Collier County and Chairman of Pediatrics at NCH Healthcare System.




Safe & Healthy Children's Coalition of Collier County background: In August 2010 a group of concerned child advocates from over 32 government and non-profit agencies combined efforts for one common goal: to create programs to serve the unmet needs of Collier's youngest residents. NCH Healthcare System is proud to serve as the lead partner of this engaged, enthusiastic group. For more information on the Safe & Healthy Children's Coalition of Collier County, please call 239-552-7788 or go to the Coalition's website at www.SafeHealthyChildren.org.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Drowning
• Prevention
• Water
• Safety