SPLASH! Miami-Dade Water Safety Initiative

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, alongside Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces, and member organizations of the Miami-Dade Drowning Prevention Coalition, launched a new water safety initiative titled SPLASH.

The initiative – launched during Water Safety Month - offers a comprehensive approach to water safety, drowning prevention, swimming education, and water awareness. SPLASH stands for Safety, Prevention, Learn2Swim, Awareness, Saving Lives, and H2O.

"As we enter the hot summer months, it’s more important than ever that everyone can be safe around the water, especially our children,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Swimming is a critical life-saving skill for everyone, and drownings are completely preventable if we are prepared and have the tools to avoid them. That’s why we are working quickly with our parks, first responders, and community partners to expand access to water safety and learn-to-swim lessons, as well as recruiting more lifeguards and swim instructors. I am committed to this initiative to prevent drownings in our community this summer because one drowning is too many."

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 nationwide, and the second leading cause of death for children the ages between 5 to 14.

Today’s call to action urges parents to enroll their children in available water safety and learn-to-swim programs and to follow basic water safety best practices, to prevent these tragedies here in our community.

Here are some important tips for summer drowning prevention:

Rule #1 and other openings.

Never leave children or inexperienced swimmers unattended near water, whether it's a pool, bathtub, beach, lake, or any other body of water.

• Teach children basic water safety skills.

• Learn how to swim and ensure that your children learn to swim as well.

SPLASH stands for Safety, Prevention, Learn2Swim, Awareness, Saving Lives, and H2O.

• Have a phone close by at all times when visiting a pool or spa.

• If a child is missing, look for them in the pool or spa first, including the neighbors' pools or spas.

• Share safety instructions with family, friends, babysitters, and neighbors.

If you have a pool:

• Install a 4-foot fence around the perimeter of the pool and spa, including portable pools.

• If your house serves as the fourth side of a fence around a pool, install and use a door or pool alarm.

• Maintain pool and spa covers in good working order.

• Ensure any pool or spa you use has compliant drain covers.

• Have equipment such as life rings, floats, or a reaching pole available and easily accessible.

At home:

• Always keep young children close your reach in a bathtub. If you must leave, take your child with you.

• Don't leave a baby or young child in a bathtub under the care of another young child.

• Never leave a bucket or basin containing even a small amount of liquid unattended.

• Consider placing locks and toilet seat covers in case a young child wanders into the bathroom.

Remember, prevention is key to ensuring a safe summer around water. By following these guidelines and promoting water safety, you can significantly reduce the risk of drowning incidents.

Miami-Dade County invites all residents to learn more about water safety and make swimming lessons a priority for the family. For more information about resources and lessons available, visit www.miamidade.gov/splash.

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