Protecting Children Through Layers of Protection
Drowning is silent, fast, and preventable. In Florida, it us the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4, with Collier County facing the same tragic reality.
The NCH Safe & Healthy Children's Coalition helps families, caregivers, and community partners prevent drowning through Layers of Protection, a proven approach that uses multiple safety measures together to keep children safe around water.
No single device or solution can prevent drowning. Each layer adds critical protection, and when used together, they dramatically reduce the risk of unsupervised access to water and fatal outcomes.
Below are the four key messages every family should know to reduce the risk and help prevent the loss of another child.
Water Smart Collier
For additional drowning prevention resources, maps, tools, and local program information, visit:
Layers of Protection: A Proven Approach
No single device or strategy can prevent drowning on its own.
Each layer adds a level of safety. Parents, caregivers, aquatic facilities, should use multiple Layers of Protection consistently and simultaneously to provide a system of increased security, especially for children.
1. Supervise - Active, Focused Adult Supervision
Children must always be watched around water - no distraction, no exceptions.
- Assign a responsible adult as a Water Watcher for 15-minute intervals
- Maintain constant, eyes-on, supervision for young children ensuring they are within arm's reach
- Avoid using phones, alcohol, or multitasking while supervising
- If your child goes missing, check nearby pools and other water areas FIRST.
2. Use Barriers - Prevent Access to Water
Physical barriers reduce the risk of a child gaining unsupervised access to pools, canals, lakes, or ponds.
- Four-sided isolation fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates
- Door and window alarms (FREE to Collier County residents)
- Maintain functional, compliant drain covers in the pool
Thanks to the generosity of the Naples Children Foundation, we provide FREE door/window alarms for families in Collier County.
3. Learn to Swim - Water Competency for the Whole Family
Learning to swim can reduce drowning risk for children and adults.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says many children can begin swim lessons as early as age 1
- Teach children to never swim alone - an adult must always watch them anytime they are near water
- Young children and inexperienced swimmers should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket
Our coalition provides life jackets at 18 Life Jacket Loaner Stations throughout Collier County.
4. Know How to Respond - CPR & Rescue Skills
Immediate response saves lives.
- Learn CPR with rescue breaths, first aid, and basic water rescue techniques.
- Always keep a phone and rescue equipment (ring buoy, reaching pole) near the pool
- Call 911 immediately in an emergency and begin CPR if the child is unresponsive