“Safe Water. Stronger Futures.”
Community-Wide Initiative Aims to Prevent Tragic Child Drownings Through Education, Swim Lessons and Partnerships
LAUDERHILL, Fla. — As South Florida enters the height of swimming season and families spend more time around pools, beaches, canals, and waterways, the Children’s Services Council (CSC) of Broward County is renewing its commitment to preventing one of the leading causes of death among young children by launching its Safe Water. Stronger Futures. drowning prevention awareness campaign.
The campaign highlights the importance of constant adult supervision, water safety education, and access to affordable swim lessons while connecting Broward families with life-saving resources available through Water Smart Broward and other CSC-funded programs.
Recent drowning and near-drowning incidents involving children across Broward County serve as heartbreaking reminders that these tragedies can happen in seconds, and that prevention must remain a community priority. Even one child lost to drowning is one too many.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up safely,” said Dr. David Kenton, Chief Operating Officer of the Children’s Services Council of Broward County. “Drowning is fast, silent, and almost always preventable. Through partnerships, education, and access to swim instruction, we are giving families the tools they need to protect their children. This is an investment that saves lives.”
According to the Florida Department of Health, drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages 1 through 4 in Florida. Broward County mirrors this troubling trend, where accidental drowning continues to claim the lives of young children each year. Florida also experienced a devastating year in 2025, recording 119 child drowning fatalities, the highest number on record.
CSC’s Investment in Prevention
The Children’s Services Council invests more than $1.3 million annually in comprehensive drowning prevention efforts that combine education, swim instruction, community outreach, and partnerships.
These investments include:
- SWIM Central — providing affordable swim lesson coupons and water safety education for children ages 6 months through 8 years through a partnership with Broward County and Broward County Public Schools.
- Drowning Prevention Initiative — supporting community-wide education, leadership, public awareness campaigns, lifeguard training, and coordination through the Florida Department of Health in Broward County.
- Water Smart Broward — serving as Broward County’s central online resource for water safety information, swim lesson opportunities, CPR resources, and drowning prevention education.
Last year, more than 20,000 families received swim instruction opportunities through SWIM
Central. Additionally, nearly 200 residents became certified lifeguards or water safety instructors, expanding Broward’s network of trained aquatic safety professionals.
Prevention Saves Lives
Water safety experts emphasize that drowning is often quick and silent. A child can drown in as little as two inches of water, often without splashing or calling for help. Most drownings involving young children occur during non-swim times when children gain unexpected access to water.
CSC encourages every family to follow these essential safety practices:
- Never leave a child unattended near water—even for a moment.
- Designate a distraction-free “Water Watcher.”
- Enroll children in age-appropriate swimming lessons.
- Install four-sided fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates around home pools.
- Learn CPR and basic water rescue skills.
- Use properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets when appropriate.
A Community Commitment
Safe Water. Stronger Futures. campaign reflects CSC’s broader mission of investing in prevention before tragedy occurs. “Every swimming lesson represents confidence, every educated parent represents another layer of protection, and every community partnership brings us closer to our shared vision of zero child drownings in Broward County,” Kenton said. “These are your property tax dollars at work. Helping children stay safe, supporting families, and strengthening our community.”
Families can learn more about swimming lesson opportunities, safety tips, and available resources by visiting CSCBroward.org or Water Smart Broward.
About the Children’s Services Council of Broward County:
The Children’s Services Council of Broward County (CSC) is an independent taxing authority that funds programs to support the well-being of children and families. Established by a public referendum in 2000 and reauthorized in 2014. By collaborating with community partners, the Council ensures children in Broward County grow up healthy, safe, and prepared for success in school and life. CSC provides leadership, advocacy, and resources through strategic planning and funding aimed at empowering children to become responsible and productive adults. Our focus is our Children.
Follow us on social media @CSCBroward. For more information about the Children’s Services Council of Broward County, please visit www.cscbroward.org.