Broward gets grant to stem tide of drowning deaths

Washington, DC, December 11, 2015

SUN SENTINEL

Broward gets grant to stem tide of drowning deaths

By Lisa J. Huriash

Drowning is the number one cause of "unintentional death" for U.S. children under 4, and South Florida, with its pools, canals and coastlines, is on the front line of the problem.

So U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston, announced the release of grant money Friday to combat the rash of child drownings. Broward will receive $250,000.

According to the Florida Department of Health, 62 children age four and younger died from drowning in Florida in 2014; nine of those cases were in Broward. So far this year, five children ages four and younger have drowned in Broward.

Pool deaths disproportionately affect minorities, Wasserman Schultz said.

She said the grant money will help train local code enforcement personnel and first responders to spot pool safety issues — such as a broken fence latch around a pool — as they're working.

"Our local communities play such a critical, on-the-ground role in keeping their residents safe," Wasserman Schultz said.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/broward/fl-swim-grant-broward-20151211-story.html