Florida

Water Safety Plan

Celebrating water safely.

In 2021, Florida began its journey toward a comprehensive Water Safety Strategy. Orange and Osceola Counties joined with the Children Safety Village to form the Central Florida Water Safety Task Force. A closer look at drowning data reported to the Florida Department of Children and Families highlighted the need for greater collaboration and a unified approach to drowning prevention across the state.

DROWNING IS THE #1 CAUSE OF DEATH

Drowning is the #1 cause of death for Florida’s children age 1 to 4.

MAINTAINS THE #1 DROWNING COUNT

Florida maintains the #1 drowning count in the United States and has for 5 years, and is in the top 5 for drowning rate.

AVERAGE OF 70% OCCURS IN POOLS

Florida maintains an average of 70% of fatal drownings occurring in pools, with 85% occurring during non-active swim time.

93% ARE FLORIDA RESIDENTS

Though millions of tourists visit Florida each year, 93% of fatal drownings are Florida residents.

Through education and advocacy, we continue to strive for a Florida that celebrates water safely. This has become our motto as our State is surrounded by water, and our hope is that every resident and visitor enjoy this abundant resource respectfully.

Our Vision, Mission, & Values

OUR VISION

A Florida where all residents and visitors celebrate water safely.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to provide a framework, advocacy platform and organizational model to foster integration, collaboration and development for all entities across the State of Florida focused on eradicating drowning.

OUR VALUES

Each of the nine priorities within the Florida Water Safety Strategy moves forward focused on the values of equity, collaboration, evidence and evaluation, and local context. As such, Florida’s Plan calls to action every city, county, or region to develop education and initiatives appropriate for the respective area.

Our Priorities

1   Public Significance
2   Data and Public Surveillance
3   Pools
4   Supervision
5   Water Competency
6   Life Jackets
7   Rescue and CPR
8   Open Water
9   Water Emergency Preparedness

Resources

USNWSAP

watersafetyplan.us

CALIFORNIA PLAN (PDF)

cawatersafety.org

HAWAII PLAN (PDF)

hiwatersafetycoalition.org

Get Involved

We encourage other areas who are pulling together a plan, to reach out. If there is anything that we can assist with, we are here for you.

Tina Morgan, FDCF tina.morgan@myflfamilies.com

Kirby Morgan, FDCF kirby.morgan@myflfamilies.com

Regions

WaterSmart FL Task Force Regions

State: Rhonda / Nathalie

The NORTHEAST Region: includes Leon, xxxx, and is chaired by XXXX. Email.

NW:
Central: Brent Moore

Suncoast:

Southeast:

FLORIDA PLAN

VIEW PDF   ›

WATERSMART FL TASK FORCE REGIONS

TAKE ACTION