Osceola's New Swim Camp Tackles Alarming Child Drowning Rates

Kissimmee, Florida, USA - On June 5, 2025, a proactive initiative took place in Osceola County aimed at combating the alarming rates of child drownings in Florida. Last Thursday, Osceola Sheriff Marcos Lopez, in collaboration with the Kissimmee YMCA, hosted a free swim and water safety camp for young children aged 3 to 5. This inaugural camp targeted preschoolers, as drowning has become the leading cause of accidental death for children aged 1-4 in the state, which holds the unfortunate title of having the highest annual drowning rates in the U.S.

Approximately 50 children took part in the two-day event, each spending a minimum of 30 minutes getting hands-on instruction in basic water safety practices. Parents were also involved, with CPR classes offered at the YMCA to further bolster their readiness in case of emergencies. There’s something to be said for getting an early start on safety, and this camp is hoped to become a regular event, bolstering the community’s water safety education efforts.

The Drowning Crisis

The statistics surrounding drowning in Florida can be sobering. According to FloridaHealth.gov, in 2021, the state ranked fourth in the U.S. for unintentional drowning deaths, with a striking rate of 2.23 per 100,000 population. More concerning is the fact that Florida had the highest unintentional drowning death rate for children ages 1 to 4 from 2019 to 2021, recording 6.64 deaths per 100,000. The trend remains alarming, with 60 reported drownings in 2020, 75 in 2021, and 67 in 2022 among children under 5.

Adding to the urgency is the fact that, while many drownings occur in swimming pools, they can happen swiftly — often within five minutes of a child going out of sight. Statistics reveal that about 69% of drownings among very young children happen during non-swim times, with almost half of them last seen inside the house. This highlights the importance of vigilance, supervision, and education about water safety measures at home and beyond.

Community Efforts and Resources

The initiative spearheaded by Sheriff Lopez and the YMCA is part of a broader campaign advocating for water safety in Florida. The „Water Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility“ initiative pushes for increased education on drowning risks and highlights the necessity of supervision, physical barriers, and preparedness as key layers of protection against drowning incidents. Community members looking for further information and resources can visit FloridaHealth.gov for helpful tips and strategies.

Additionally, it’s vital for families to focus on preventative measures at home. Drowning can occur even in small amounts of water, so keeping bathroom doors closed and securing pool access are just the beginning. Performance Health emphasizes that teaching children to swim by age four can reduce their risk of drowning by a significant 88%. Maintaining constant supervision and knowing CPR can also make a world of difference in emergency situations.

Your Role in Water Safety

As the summer heat beckons families to the water, it’s essential to stay informed and proactive about water safety. Participation in events like the YMCA camp is encouraged, as are practices like assigning a „water watcher“ at gatherings and ensuring that children wear life jackets in natural bodies of water. FloridaHealth.gov reminds us that drowning is preventable, and everyone in the community has a role to play in ensuring the safety of our children around water.

For further information on swimming lessons offered by the YMCA, individuals can call 407-847-7413. It’s never too late to learn and take action to safeguard our little ones. Let’s work together — as a community — to make water safety a priority, ensuring that mornings by the poolside and adventures at the beach are filled with joy, not tragedy.