Water Safety Awareness: A Community Effort for World Drowning Prevention Day
As we observe World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25th, Swim Strong Foundation joins Episcopal Health Services and the NYC Parks Department in emphasizing a critical message: drowning is preventable through education and awareness.
“World Drowning Prevention Day is an urgent reminder that drowning is fast, silent, and preventable,” said Shawn Slevin, Executive Director of Swim Strong Foundation. This sobering reality underscores why our year-round commitment to water safety education is more important than ever.
The Statistics That Drive Our Mission Drowning remains one of the leading causes of unintentional deaths, with children being the most vulnerable population. In waterfront communities like the Rockaways, where beaches and pools are central to summer recreation, prevention through education becomes a community responsibility.
Your First Line of Defense: Knowledge and Preparation Our partnership with local health systems and parks departments reinforces four fundamental safety principles:
- Buddy System: Never swim alone, regardless of your skill level or the presence of lifeguards
- Know Your Limits: If you’re not a strong swimmer, stay in areas where you can stand
- Constant Supervision: Parents and guardians must maintain visual contact with children at all times
- Water Awareness: Understanding current conditions and knowing your swimming abilities can be lifesaving
Community Partnership Saves Lives Through collaborative efforts with organizations like Episcopal Health Services and NYC Parks, we’re creating a safety net that extends beyond the water’s edge. From free swimming lessons to ongoing safety education, these partnerships ensure that everyone in our community has access to life-saving knowledge and skills.
Remember: situational knowledge of water conditions combined with proper swim skills creates the foundation for safe water recreation. This World Drowning Prevention Day, commit to being part of the solution – because every life saved through prevention is a victory for our entire community.
