(Miami-Dade County, FL) -- Florida has the second highest number of unintentional fatal drowning incidents in the U.S. and the highest rate in the nation among children ages 1 to 4. To help heighten awareness and support families in promoting water safety, Miami-Dade County Parks and Recreation, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Miami Children's Hospital, Miami Children's Hospital Foundation and community leaders and safety organizations are joining forces to offer a "Summer Safety Splash" event.
Activities and photo/film opportunities include:
- Drowning rescue demonstrations
- Swimming lessons
- Interactive activities related to water safety
- Supervised water fun for children of varying ages
- Information on swimming lessons and summer safety
- Statements from families who have experienced a near drowning
- Statements on the importance of water safety from community leaders
About the Miami-Dade Park and Recreation Department (MDPR)
Nationally accredited, a three-time winner of the National Gold Medal Award, 2009 Florida Governor's Sterling Award winner for excellence in management and operations, MDPR is the third largest county park system in the United States, consisting of 263 parks and more than 12,848 acres of land. It is one of the most unique park and recreation systems in the world. Made up of more than just playgrounds and athletic fields, it also comprises out-of-school, sports-development, and summer-camp programs; programs for seniors and people with disabilities; educational nature centers and nature preserves; environmental restoration efforts; arts and culture programs and events; the renowned Zoo Miami and the Deering Estate at Cutler; the Crandon Tennis Center, home of the Sony Ericsson Open; golf courses; beaches; marinas; campgrounds; pools; and more. For information about MDPR the public can call 3-1-1 or visit www.miamidade.gov/parks.
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