Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death for ages 1 to 4 with 87% of fatalities in home pools or hot tubs, the third leading cause for ages 5 to 9 with 129 deaths annually, accounting for 11% of deaths for ages 10 to 14 with 106 deaths annually, and the third leading cause for ages 15 to 19 with 259 deaths annually. To raise awareness and promote swimming safety, Osceola County Commissioner Ricky Booth is collaborating with Osceola County Fire Rescue & EMS, led by Division Chief John Murphy, and the City of St. Cloud.

The A B Cs of Swimming Safety

A – Adult Supervision: Always have a responsible adult present when children are swimming. Never leave children unattended near water, even for a moment. Constant vigilance can prevent accidents and save lives.

B – Barriers: Install barriers such as pool fences and covers to restrict access to swimming areas. These physical barriers act as the first line of defense in preventing unsupervised access to pools and other bodies of water.

C – Classes: Enroll children in swimming lessons and water safety classes. Knowing how to swim and understanding water safety principles are crucial skills that can prevent drowning incidents.

Osceola Swimming Safety
Osceola Swim Safety
Osceola Swimming Safety

Commissioner Ricky Booth has always had a passion for serving his community, and along Osceola County Fire Rescue & EMS Division Chief John Murphy, they are reminding the community about the importance of learning how to swim, while distributing educational materials focused on swimming safety. 

In May, Commissioner Ricky Booth, in collaboration with the City of St. Cloud, sponsored a program providing free swimming lessons to over 200 children in the St. Cloud area. This initiative aimed to enhance water safety and prevent childhood drownings. The program focused on ensuring that local children could receive vital swimming instruction. These lessons, held throughout June and July, offered a lifetime benefit to the participating children by equipping them with essential water safety skills and increasing their confidence around water.

The joint efforts of Commissioner Ricky Booth, Osceola County Fire Rescue & EMS, and the City of St. Cloud, underscore the importance of community involvement in promoting safety. By working together, they hope to create a safer environment for all residents and ensure that everyone can enjoy water activities without unnecessary risks.