Fort Myers, FL—Parents and care givers are reminded by the Florida Department of Health in Lee County to directly supervise children around water this Labor Day weekend to prevent the historical spike in accidental drownings.

Drownings increase during summer holiday weekends every year. Lee County’s drowning rate for children under 5 is among the highest in the state, and for all children it is over the state average.

End of summer fun need not be spoiled by a serious injury or the fatality of a child if you follow simple safety rules:

• Adults should actively watch children while in or near water
• Wear a life jacket if swim skills limit you to shallow water
• Never swim alone
• Never play near drain openings or covers
• Know water rescue and CPR

Life Jacket Loaners are available free at the following locations through the generosity of Sea Tow and the Safe Kids Coalition of Lee and Collier Counties:

• Matlacha Boat Ramp, 4577 Pine Island Rd. NW, Matlacha
• Boathouse Restaurant at Cape Coral Yacht Club, 5819 Driftwood Pkwy., Cape Coral
• Fort Myers Yacht Basin, 1300 Lee St., Fort Myers
• Franklin Locks Boat Ramp, 1660 S. Franklin Lock Rd., Alva
• Fish Tale Marina, 7225 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach

A multi-faceted drowning prevention campaign including interactive children’s and adult safety messages is available at www.poolsafely.gov, www.waterprooffl.com, and www.ndpa.org. For information on preventing recreational water illnesses go to www.leechd.com or www.floridahealth.gov and search water safety.