Safety in NUMBERS - swimming safely - Brief Article

It's no secret that water safety is an important issue in South Florida. With year-round warm temperatures, miles of coastline, and an enormous number of residential swimming pools, the Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation Department increased the number of learn-to-swim during the summer months to promote water safety. The result was an overwhelming response from parents, said Fort Lauderdale recreation superintendent Steve Person.

"Parents are realizing how important it is for their children to learn how to swim," said Person. "This year, we had a total of 2,384 participants who attended classes at one of the city's seven pools between June and August. Because we live in a coastal community, there is always an urgency to increase water-safety awareness and take the necessary precautions to prevent injuries."

In an effort to reach more youth, the Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation Department formed a partnership with Broward County schools and Swim Central. Free learn-to-swim classes were offered as part of the school curriculum for elementary students attending schools adjacent to city pools during the summer months.

Swimming lessons were offered in four two-week sessions at seven pools. Classes were also offered to summer-school students, participants in the city's summer camps, local nurseries, Broward County camps, and the public.

"We want to make sure that our children are safe around water," said Person. "The only way we can do that is by offering these classes and encouraging parents to enroll their children."