Spotlight: 24 child drowning in NE Florida since 2014

Jacksonville, FL — The statistics are heartbreaking: Six children from the Jacksonville are have drowned over the past two months.  Since 2014, 24 children have died in Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Nassau, and Baker Counties.

The Department of Children and Families tells us each drowning is investigated as inadequate supervision and based on the findings of the cases closed, evidence supports that very often, the children were not supervised adequately.  Of the 24 drowning investigations since 2014, 19 have closed and 5 remain open. 
Of the closed reports, the findings were:  11 verified for neglect; 3 not substantiated; 4 no indicated.

We have partnered with DCF and other community leaders to explore practical and inexpensive steps you can take as a parent, and property owner, with a pool.

REPLAY:  Jacksonville's Morning News indepth special on drownings

“Every child drowning is tragic, and each child drowning is preventable,” said Florida Department of Children and Families Northeast Region Managing Director Patricia Medlock. “There are simple steps that parents and caregivers can take to save their children’s lives.”

• Children Should Be Actively Supervised At All Times: Someone should always be actively watching children when they are in the pool. This means that parents should not be on the phone or engaged in a big conversation while watching the children. Drowning can happen in just a few minutes. Designate a “Water Watcher” to keep an eye on swimmers. Additionally, never allow a child to supervise another child near or in water.

• Pools Need Barriers: A child should never be able to enter the pool area unaccompanied by an adult. Barriers physically block a child from the pool. Barriers include: child-proof locks on all doors, a pool fence with self-latching and self-closing gates, as well as door and pool alarms. Pool covers may also be used, but make sure it is a professional cover fitted for your pool. A simple canvas covering can be a drowning hazard and entrap a child in the water. Florida law requires barriers for home pools. Check your barriers regularly to make sure they are working properly. Also, make sure the doors of your home have alarms and child-proof locks so that you know if a child has left your home. Pet doors should be locked to keep small children from getting out. Those doors can also be set up to allow pets to come back into the home, but to keep children from leaving.

• Swimming Lessons: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children ages four and older learn to swim in order to help prevent drowning. It also encourages caregivers of children ages one to three to consider swim instruction for their child, as studies have shown it reduces drowning incidents. Adults should learn to swim and also teach their children how to swim. Children from non-swimming households are eight times more likely to be at risk of drowning. To find swimming lessons in your area, contact your local YMCA, city facilities, swim school, or call 2-1-1. Many of these programs have scholarships available.

• If An Emergency Happens, Know What To Do: The moment a child stops breathing there is a small, precious window of time in which resuscitation may occur, but only if someone knows what to do. Even if you’re not a parent, it’s important to learn CPR. The techniques are easy to learn and can mean the difference between life and death. In an emergency, it is critical to have a phone nearby and immediately call 911. To learn more about CPR or find a CPR certification course, call 2-1-1 or visit the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.

“We also remind the public that drownings not only happen in pools and oceans,” said Medlock. “Children have drowned in bathtubs, ponds, canals and even in buckets of water. It takes less than a couple of inches of water and a few moments for a child to drown. It can happen in the same amount of time that it takes to answer a phone call or use the restroom. Many parents only left their children alone for a few moments before a drowning. That’s why all parents should make sure that their children, especially very young children, are properly supervised at all times.”