Education Connection: Drowning Prevention in Schools

19th International Boating & Water Safety Summit

Education Connection: Drowning Prevention in

Schools

Presenter: Diane HennessyDrowning Prevention Coalition of Palm Beach County

Coordinator, Outreach Educator

Our Mission

To prevent drowning, near-drowning and other water-related incidents in Palm

Beach County by educating residents on water safety and basic rescue

techniques.

Not Easy Limited Staff Limited Funding

How Do We Get Into The Schools?

Start at the top and work your way down

1. PBC School District Physical, Health, and Driver Education Administrator (set up a meeting to discuss goals and objectives). Have them send out a memo/flyer to all PE teachers about availability of free, land based drowning prevention education.

2. Beginning of each school year I attend the District’s PE teacher orientation, set up a table and NETWORK. In the past we’ve actually been able to speak for a minute or two to entire audience.

3. Contact PE & Health teachers along with school nurses directly - via email, phone call or by letter.

How Do We Get Into The Schools?

Start at the top and work your way down

1. If you are part of a smaller school district go to the Board of Education or school administrators offering your services.

2. Attend health and safety fairs when possible and sell yourself and what your program has to offer!!!! Often times you run into teachers or individuals who have contacts in the schools, or parents that are interested in having a program done in their child’s class.

3. Promote your program via Social Media outlets

4. Research online for list of schools in your area (both public & private)

What if I Need Help?

Turn to community partners 1. County and city parks and recreation

departments and their aquatics division

2. Local Red Cross

3. Army Corps of Engineers

4. Local Health Department

5. Pool Safely from U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

6. Safe Kids Coalition

7. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

8. Fire Rescue and Police

What if I Need Help?

Turn to community partners

9. Local YMCA/Boys and Girls Club10. National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration (NOAA)11. Department of Children and Families12. A local re-use center13. United Way 14. Local Press (personal stories)15. Families United

After Connection is Made

Discuss with teacher prior to presentation the amount of time allowed for program. Let them know information to be discussed. If you have photos such as a drain picture showing an injury, get approval from them.

Ask if there is a student in the class that has been effected by a drowning incident.

Adjust delivery of information depending on age of students.

The Importance of Involvement

Making Water Safety And Drowning Prevention Fun To Learn

Using Crafts

Making Water Watcher Tags and Rescue Devices


Student Involvement

Getting The Kids

Involved

Boating Safety


Student Involvement

Great for Assemblies.

Make volunteer cards.

Hand them to students randomly as they arrive to your presentation.

Call your volunteer when ready.

Making Water Safety And Drowning Prevention Fun To Learn Teacher Involvement

“Build-A-Teacher”

Making Water Safety And Drowning Prevention Fun To Learn Using

Visual Aids

http://www.safekids.org/educators/Start-safe/water-safety/


Using Games

Great for Summer Camps and Elementary School Children


Games For Middle & High School Students

Pre-K &Kindergarten

Keep it simple, simple, simple!!

Focus - always being with a grownup in or

near water. Use Finding Nemo analysis.

Who is considered a grownup and who is not?

Life Jacket demonstration

Pre-K &Kindergarten

• “Stewie the Duck” presentation using book, music, and song.• Book donated by Stew Leonard III Children’s Charities.

Pre-K &Kindergarten

Sandy & Buddy Our Build-A-Bears

Teaching How To Be Safe at The Beach

*Materials Donated By Build-A-Bear. Went to a mall, walked into the store and just asked for donation!

Pre-KKindergarten

Paid for by local Rotary Club!

What Does Drowning Mean?

• Can’t breathe underwater. Hold breath as example.

• How much water does it take to drown? Nose to bottom lip demonstration

ABCDs of Water SafetyUsed for Elementary through High School

•

AAdult Supervision

1.Easy to keep track of topics.2.Easy to remember.3.Great visual aid.

Adult Supervision

Always swim in front of a LIFEGUARD!!

Adult Supervision

WATERWATCHER

Adult Supervision for Middle School and High School

Students• Important topic because they:– Babysit for pay.

– Watch siblings.

– Are easily distracted and tend to be peer influenced.

– Are known to swim alone.

– Think a drowning can’t happen to them.

– Are frequently un-chaperoned at pool parties.

ABCDs of Water Safety

Elementary School:• Buddy• Boating/Life Jackets• Beach/Basic Rescue

Middle School & High School• Buddy• Boating/Life Jackets• Beach/Basic Rescue• Buckets, Bathrooms & other Water Dangers Around the House

Takes the most time….

B

Buddy• Always swim with a buddy regardless

of swimming capability. If something happens and there is no one to assist in your rescue, you’re in big trouble.

Boating/Life Jackets

• Visually showing how to fit life jackets properly.• Importance of lifejackets being United Sates Coast Guard

approved.• When lifejackets should be worn (boating & swimming).• Different kind of life jackets on the market – what’s good and

what’s not!

Beach/Basic Rescue• Never jumping in after someone if they are drowning.• Reach or Throw Don’t Go – show objects that can be used (pool noodle/rescue jug).• Flag colors.• Swimming in front of a lifeguard.• What to do if you get caught in a rip current.

Try to get local lifeguards involved in your presentation

High School Buckets, Bathrooms & Other Water Related

Dangers Around The House

• Important discussion with older students since they are most likely babysitting.


CAll Grade Levels• Caution/Careful• Canals• Classes in swimming

High School• CPR

Caution

Yellow Flag

at the Beach

Canal Safety

1. Stay out of dirty water!

2. What kind of dangerous things could be in the water that could

hurt you? Use visual aids as much as

possible!

Classes in Swimming

• Importance of learning to swim.• It’s ok to be scared and nervous.

Instructors and lifeguards are at pools to keep you safe.

• Never too old to learn to swim.

CPR (High School)

Can find a class through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.

Can charge more for babysitting services.

Can save a life!


D

All School Levels:• Dangerous Marine Life (purple flag)• Drains (pool & sewer)

Add to High School• Driving safety (Car & Boats)

Dangerous Marine Life(purple flag)

● How do we know when there is

dangerous marine life at a beach?

● If we get stung, what should you do?

Drain Safety• Stay away from pool and spa drains. They can cause suction

entrapment.• Stay away from sewer drains. Very dangerous.

Driving Safety

Driving Safety Video

Wrap Up YOU CAN DO THIS W/O A LOT OF

MONEY! It takes time, creativity and passion.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help (community partners).

Don’t re-invent the wheel. Steal my stuff!

Let your program evolve and have fun with it. You’re providing life safety information that could otherwise be scary.

THANK YOU

Diane Hennessy405 Pike RoadWPB, FL 33411561-616-7069

[email protected]