County Council Prioritizes Swimming Safety

Posted On: May 23, 2024

Did you know drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 in Florida? The Volusia County Council does, and they’re doing something about it.

The County Council allocated $73,409 to water safety programs during its May 21 meeting. As a result, the Volusia Flagler Family YMCA and the Daytona Beach Parks and Recreation Department will each receive $20,000 to provide free or reduced-rate swim lessons to income-eligible children this summer. Parents may apply by contacting the YMCA or Daytona Beach Parks and Recreation.

With the remaining $33,409, Volusia County’s Community Assistance Division will purchase 350 four-pack door and window alarms along with 150 pool alarms that detect intrusion into a body of water by someone falling in. Only one of each will be available per household. The alarms will be distributed without charge at regional libraries in Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach, DeLand, and Deltona beginning in late June.

“I’m really excited about this,” said Vice Chair and District 4 Member Troy Kent after thanking District 3 County Council Member Danny Robins for spearheading the program. “It’s the right thing to do, and I recommend that all parents get their children swim lessons.”