ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – With sunny days and tempting waters beckoning, St. Petersburg Fire Rescue (SPFR) is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of local children.
They’re hosting a free life jacket giveaway on Wednesday, March 12, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Willis S. Johns Recreation Center, located at 6635 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street North.
In partnership with Safe Kids Florida Suncoast, led by Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, and St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation, SPFR aims to raise awareness about water safety and prevent tragic drownings.
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“Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1 to 4 in the U.S., and the third leading cause among ages 5 to 19,” a spokesperson for SPFR stated.
The life jackets will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. While bringing children is not mandatory, SPFR strongly recommends it to ensure a proper fit, as sizing is based on weight and body size.
The event comes amid alarming statistics: since 2020, Pinellas County has recorded 148 pediatric submersions, with seven children tragically losing their lives. While residential pools are a significant risk, water hazards are present in numerous locations.
To combat these dangers, SPFR emphasizes the “Five Layers of Pool Safety”:
- Supervise & Learn CPR: Designate a water watcher and learn CPR.
- Secure Access: Use childproof locks and alarms on doors leading to water.
- Use Barriers: Install fences and alarms around pool areas.
- Remove Temptations: Keep toys and floating objects out of the pool.
- Enroll in Swim Lessons: Teach children how to swim.
Residents are encouraged to attend the giveaway and take advantage of this valuable resource to protect their children and loved ones.
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