Health Department urges swim lessons

The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (DOH-Monroe) promotes May as National Water Safety Month to educate the community on how to safely enjoy Florida’s many bodies of water and prevent drowning.

Florida offers countless opportunities to enjoy water recreation in pools, lakes, and other surrounding bodies of water. That is why water safety is critical. Children ages 1- to 4-years-old are more likely to drown in a home swimming pool than children ages 5- to 19-years-old, who are more likely to drown in natural bodies of water.

Whether a person is a parent or a community group member, everyone plays a role in drowning prevention. The goal is to keep water activities fun and safe for all in the summer months.