Miami-Dade safety advocates and Nicklaus Children's Hospital promote water safety and drowning prevention at Haulover Beach Park "Summer Safety Splash

(MIAMI, May 11, 2015) -- Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death among children ages 1-14. The Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and the Trauma Services Department at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital are joining forces to promote the importance of water safety and the urgency of learning how toswim, during the 7th annual “Summer Safety Splash” event.

The event is open to the public and geared toward providing parents and children with activities and resources on swimming lessons, water and child safety, and much more.  Event admission is free and parking is $7.

Photo opportunities include:

• Beach Rescue and Water Safety Demonstrations
• Exhibitor tents on Swimming Lessons and Water/Child Safety
• Supervised beach fun
• Statements on the importance of water and boating safety from community leaders
• Free bike helmets for kids, courtesy of Kohl’s Cares (while supplies last)

Through the non-profit Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade, the Swim for Jenny Memorial Fund provides scholarships for free swimming lessons to children.  For more information or to donate, visit www.swimforjenny.org.

The Miami-Dade Drowning Prevention Coalition (DPC), housed under the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade, provides a centralized resource for the coordination of  information and programs related to water safety awareness, education and advocacy to reduce drowning, non-fatal drowning, and other water related injuries in Miami-Dade. For more information, visit the DPC website.

About Nicklaus Children’s Hospital:
For more information visit the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital website.

About the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department
For information about Miami-Dade County Parks visit their website or call 3-1-1.

Miami-Dade County Parks is supported by The Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization helping to further develop Miami-Dade County’s world-class parks system for residents and visitors. Its mission is to create a healthier, more livable and sustainable Miami community by ensuring the implementation of the Parks Open Space Master Plan and the development of year-round park and recreation programs for local children, adults and people with disabilities. Visit the Parks Foundation website for more information.

To request material in accessible format, information on access for persons with disabilities, or sign language interpreter services (7 days in advance), call 305-755-7848.