May 2024 | Water Safety

May Is Water Safety Month

Living in Florida, we all know there are two seasons: hot and not-so-hot! More importantly, as the temperature rises, so does activity in and around the water. The Winter Springs Police Department would like to remind everyone that even though we look forward to a summer around the pool or at the beach, there are some inherent dangers that come with our attempts to stay cool. Keep these rules in mind to keep your summer safe and refreshing. Distractions Make for Tragedies.

NEVER LEAVE A CHILD UNATTENDED AROUND ANY BODY OF WATER

1. Teach your children basic water safety skills.

2. Learn how to swim and ensure your children also know how to swim.

3. Make sure the body of water matches your skill level; swimming in a pool is much different than swimming in a lake or river, where more strength is needed to handle currents.

4. If you get caught in a current, don't try to fight it; stay calm, float with it, or swim parallel to the shore until you can swim free.

5. Don't dive into unfamiliar areas.

6. Have a phone nearby when visiting a pool, spa, or beach.

Pool Safety

1. Install a 4-foot fence around the perimeter of the pool or spa, including portable pools. Building codes require adequate pool safety measures.

2. If your house wall is the fourth side of a fence around a pool, install and use a door or pool alarm.

3. Maintain all pool and spa covers in good working order.

4. Ensure any pool or spa you use has compliant drain covers; ask for clarification if you do not know.

5. Never swim alone.

6. Have lifesaving equipment such as life rings, floats, or a reaching pole available and easily accessible.

7. Share safety instructions with family, friends, babysitters and neighbors

• Learn CPR and rescue techniques.
• Don't push or jump on others.
• Don't dive into unfamiliar areas.
• Never drink alcohol when swimming; alcohol is involved in about half of all male teen drownings, according to KidsHealth.org.

For more information, go to https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/drowning.

Pediatric Heatstroke

Pediatric vehicular heatstroke deaths occur when a caregiver forgets a child in a vehicle, the child gains access to a vehicle, or someone knowingly leaves a child in a vehicle.

As temperatures across the country continue to climb this summer and states begin to reopen, the National Safety Council is calling on Americans to educate themselves about the dangers of pediatric vehicular heatstroke and how to prevent it.

Often, when caregivers forget a child, they are outside of their regular routine, under stress, or have experienced a lack of sleep, which is not uncommon for new parents. 

• Keep car doors locked so children cannot gain access.
• Teach children not to play in cars as they can be dangerous.
• Create a habit of always checking the backseat before leaving your car.
• Place your purse, briefcase, or cell phone in the backseat, forcing you to look before you lock your car and walk away.
• Never leave a child in a vehicle running errands, not even for a minute. Rolling down a window does little to keep a vehicle cool, and heatstroke deaths have occurred even in vehicles parked in shaded areas. There is no safe time period for leaving a child in a vehicle.

Bystanders can also play an important role in saving a life. If you see a child alone in a vehicle, call 911 and get help immediately.

For more information, go to https://www.nsc.org/newsroom/nsc-statement-on-preventing-pediatric-vehicular-he.

Always remember, if you see something unusual, do not hesitate to notify the Police. "IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING!" If you feel uncomfortable about calling the police department, you can report suspicious activity anonymously. In addition, you can call 1-800-423-TIPS or report at www.crimeline.org. You do not have to give your name.

Hurricane Kits

Hurricane season begins June 1st. It is important to create a kit of supplies that you can take with you if you are forced to evacuate. This kit will also be useful if you are able to stay in your home but are still affected by the storm, such as through the loss of power. One common trend seen when hurricanes are approaching is widespread panic. When this happens, people rush in large numbers to get all the supplies they think they need. However, if you prepare your kit ahead of time, you can alleviate a lot of the potential stress of a very chaotic situation. You should create your kit in a bag that you can easily take with you. Some recommended items to include are:

• Non-perishable food (enough to last at least three days)
• Water (enough to last at least three days)
• First-aid kit (include any prescription medication you may need)
• Personal hygiene items and sanitation items
• Flashlights (have extra batteries on hand)
• Battery-operated radio (again, have extra batteries)
• Waterproof container with cash and important documents
• Manual can opener
• Lighter or matches
• Books, magazines, games for recreation
• Special needs items: pet supplies and baby supplies, if applicable
• Cooler and ice packs
• A plan for evacuation and for if family members are separated

Securing Your Home

Know how to secure your home in the event of damaging winds, storm surge, and flooding.

• Cover all of your windows, either with hurricane shutters or wood.
• Although tape can prevent glass from shattering everywhere, be warned that tape does not prevent the window from breaking.
• If possible, secure straps or clips to securely fasten your roof to the structure of your home.
• Make sure all trees and shrubs are trimmed and clear rain gutters.
• Reinforce your garage doors.
• Bring in all outdoor furniture, garbage cans, decorations, and anything else that is not tied down.
• If winds become strong, stay away from windows and doors and close, secure, and brace internal doors.

Help the Winter Springs Police Department: 

Be a crime-stopper, not a victim. Lock your car and report suspicious activity. 

Emergency | 911

Non-Emergency | 407-327-1000