Water Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility
Drowning is fast, silent, and can happen to anyone. It can happen in the few minutes a distraction can take you away from the water to answer the phone or run inside for a towel. In Florida, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death to children ages 1-4.
With the many pools, waterways, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water in Florida, surrounded by the Gulf of America and the Atlantic Ocean, water safety is key in preventing drownings.
Most infant drownings occur in just a few inches of water such as a bathtub or bucket. Home swimming pools are where most children are likely to drown, however natural bodies of water still pose threats to older children and adults.
Swimming Lessons Voucher Program
Learn more about the program that offers free swimming lessons to eligible Florida families.
Help us Promote Water Safety
Handouts and Materials
Videos
Florida Department of Health
Ounce of Prevention Fund
Safe Kids Worldwide
Pool Safely
Safe Kids Worldwide
Florida Department of Children and Families
Regulations and Statistics
Florida Drowning Data
In 2023 alone, more than 500 Floridians lost their lives from unintentional drowning.
National Drowning Data
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Drowning by State
- Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System
Laws and Regulations
- Chapter 515, Florida Statutes – Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act
- Rule 64E-9, Florida Administrative Codes – Public Swimming Pools and Bathing Places
- Chapter 45, Florida Building Codes – Private Swimming Pools