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Splash Into Safety: St. Petersburg Fights Drowning With Free Water Safety Extravaganza

Local heroes team up to combat Florida’s heartbreaking child drowning rates, offering free life-saving gear and lessons.

Splash Into Safety: St. Petersburg Fights Drowning With Free Water Safety Extravaganza
Splash Into Safety: St. Petersburg Fights Drowning With Free Water Safety Extravaganza

ST. PETERBURG, Fla. – As families across St. Petersburg prepare to celebrate the 4th of July holiday, a vital community event is taking place today to address a somber reality: Florida leads the nation in drowning fatalities for children under five.

St. Petersburg Fire Rescue, in collaboration with Safe Kids (led by Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital), the Juvenile Welfare Board, and the City of St. Petersburg Parks and Recreation, is hosting a free Water Safety Event aimed at empowering parents and caregivers with life-saving knowledge and resources.

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The event, to be held today, July 1, at Lake Vista Pool (1450 60th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33705) from 4 PM to 6 PM, is designed to be family-friendly, offering a comprehensive approach to water safety education and drowning prevention.

Attendees have the opportunity to receive valuable water safety items and giveaways while supplies last, including crucial tools like lifejackets for children, door alarms, swim lesson vouchers, and CPR class vouchers.

Highlighting the critical importance of such initiatives is the personal story of Shakilya Lewis, a St. Petersburg mother and water safety advocate who is available for interviews at the event. In 2022, her son, BJ, tragically fell into his grandparents’ pool and was found unresponsive.

While BJ survived the incident, his injuries have left him with life-altering effects. Now, Shakilya is dedicated to promoting water safety awareness, transforming her family’s experience into a powerful call to action for the community.

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The collaborative effort between these key organizations underscores the multifaceted approach needed to combat childhood drownings. By providing education, practical resources, and a platform for shared experiences like Shakilya’s, the event aims to equip families with the knowledge and tools necessary to ensure a safe and joyful summer, free from preventable tragedies.

Families are encouraged to attend this important event to learn how to keep their loved ones safe around water, not just for the holiday weekend, but year-round.

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