Developing a Drowning Prevention Awareness Program That Works for You (50m Lecture)

The Florida Department of Health in Brevard County (FDOH-Brevard) has taken significant measures to reduce the number of drownings in our county. Brevard County ranks in the top 10 for Florida drowning deaths. There were over 60 fatal drownings and 119 non-fatal drownings between 2007 and 2010 in Brevard County. Our department has teamed up with the FDOH’s Office of Injury Prevention and has actively participated in the WaterproofFL® Campaign. DOH-Brevard used this campaign message to educate families by distributing educational materials, water watcher tags and door alarms at public events. On April 16, 2013 Coast Guard Officials, Josh the Otter®, Swim Safe Forever, Inc. , and DOH-Brevard officials were recognized by the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners as they approved a County Resolution that declared May as Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Month in Brevard County. Our department recently partnered with a private vendor, Clear Channel Outdoor, and purchased billboard space to display powerful drowning prevention messages on digital billboards from April through July 2013. DOH-Brevard is currently collaborating with Clear Channel to prepare 15 second Radio Public Service Announcements (PSA) on drowning prevention awareness. Since 2009, our department has received annual contract agreements from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission to inspect public pools and spas to ensure main drain covers, secondary back up systems, and equalizer lines are compliant with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. DOH-Brevard was honored at the 2013 annual conference of the National Environmental Health Association for outstanding contributions of public health officials to advancing safer and healthier use of recreational waters and was the single nationwide program selected to receive the Dr. Neil Lowry Memorial Award presented by the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals.