The Floridant - Florida: Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez Promotes Water Safety Ahead of Memorial Day

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MONROE COUNTY, Fla. ~ On Tuesday, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez joined Florida Department of Health Deputy Secretary Dr. Kenneth Scheppke, Florida Department of Children and Families Secretary Shevaun Harris, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Major Alberto Maza, local officials, and water safety stakeholders in Islamorada to discuss boating and drowning prevention safety in recognition of Water Safety Month in Florida.

Lieutenant Governor Nuñez said that "Florida's beautiful beaches, lakes, springs and pools are just one of the many reasons visitors are coming to our state in record numbers. As we head into the summer months, we are encouraging Floridians to take steps to keep themselves and their children safe. Together, we can prevent drownings in the Sunshine State and enjoy the outdoors safely."

DCF Secretary Harris added that "with the summer months approaching it is important to bring awareness to safe practices that all families should use in pools and at the beach. We have seen an alarming increase in the number of drownings in our state, specifically in vacation rentals, and sadly, these deaths are preventable. I encourage parents and caregivers to ensure that water safety measures are in place near any and all bodies of water."

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Dr. Scheppke noted that "as an emergency physician, I have too often witnessed the tragedy of drowning and the toll it takes on surviving family and loved ones. Sadly, drowning continues to impact Florida's children where it ranks as the number one cause of death in children ages 1 to 4." He urged Floridians and visitors alike to "enjoy our state's beautiful water attractions but be mindful of the risks of drowning."

Major Maza from FWC said that "we want people to have fun and stay safe while recreating in the Fishing and Boating Capitol of the World." He expressed his pride at partnering with DOH "to educate the public about the importance of boating safety with emphasis on wearing a personal flotation device, having a boating plan, and staying informed about weather conditions."

Mayor Pro Tem Holly Raschein also commented on water safety saying "water safety is important anywhere, especially in the Florida Keys where our way of life depends on the water. I'm proud to highlight Water Safety Month and the steps that can be taken to prevent tragedies alongside our Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez."

The State of Florida works hard to educate Floridians on safe recreation around all bodies of water by encouraging individuals take certain actions such as ensuring children are supervised around bodies of water; engaging in swim lessons; learning CPR; making sure pool barriers meet state law requirements; following life jacket laws; ensuring life jackets are properly fitted; checking local conditions before heading out into any body of water such as weather conditions or rip tides; among other things.

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