Archive Index  / Volusia Flagler Family YMCA And Drowning Prevention Task Force Launch Billboard Campaign Aimed At Saving Lives (posted: 08/2/11)

Source: Volusia Flagler Family YMCA
Contact: Vicki Pugh, Vice President
 

 Prevention billboards go up at multiple locations throughout area

[Volusia County, FL] – Volusia County is leading the state in toddler drowning deaths, experiencing eight since the beginning of the year. In an effort to save lives by raising awareness to the importance of knowing how to swim and stay safe in and around the water, the Volusia Flagler Family YMCA is spearheading an effort along with partners in the local Drowning Prevention Task Force to launch a billboard campaign.

“It is extremely important that we share water safety information with community members,” said Teresa Rogers, President and CEO of the Volusia Flagler Family YMCA. “The Y puts great emphasis on preparing children and adults for safety in and around the water through our swim lessons and water safety education classes.”

During the week of August 1, Lamar Advertising is placing the billboards at the following locations:

• Mason Avenue and Center Street westbound in Daytona Beach
• US 1 three tenths of a mile south of Rose Bay Bridge in Port Orange
• US 1 one half mile north of I-95 southbound in Ormond
• US 92 in DeLand
• N. Nova Rd and Alabama southbound in Holly Hill

YMCA locations throughout Volusia County will offer SPLASH, a free week of swim safety and basic swim skill development, and a community water safety day on September 3. More information is available at www.vfymca.org.


The Pool Safely Campaign
The Pool Safely campaign is designed to raise public awareness about drowning and entrapment prevention, support industry compliance with the P&SS Act and improve safety at pools and spas. According to the CPSC, nearly 300 children younger than five drown in swimming pools and spas each year and more than 3,200 go to hospital emergency rooms due to non-fatal submersion injuries. The Pool Safely campaign reminds the public that drowning deaths, entrapments and related injuries among children are preventable.

The Y
As a cause-driven organization, the Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Regardless of ones ability, age, background, culture, faith, and/or income, the Y nurtures the potential of children and teens, improves the nation’s health and well-being and provides opportunities to give back and support neighbors. The Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. Visit www.vfymca.org or call 386-738-9622.

Drowning Prevention Task Force Partners include:

• Daytona Beach Fire Department
• Daytona Beach Hotel and Lodging Association
• Department of Children and Families
• Florida Department of Health
• Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center
• Homewood Suites
• Keech Street Clinic
• SAFE KIDS Volusia/Flagler
• Volusia County Health Department
• Volusia Flagler Family YMCA