JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With the temperature expected to feel like it’s 105 degrees or hotter on Friday, many of us will head to the beach or a pool to cool off.
If you do, it is important to keep an eye on any children because anything can happen.
Sadly, a 3-year-old drowned Thursday during a Fourth of July celebration on Blackbeard Drive in the Holiday Harbor area off San Pablo Road.
The toddler was found in a swimming pool in what police said was a “tragic accident.”
Lifeguards say it’s important to know your abilities before you get too deep.
“This year is a little bit rougher than normal conditions. We’ve got a surf size that is pretty unusual for this time of year but just know your ability and know if you’re a good swimmer or not,” said Faeryn Lee, a lifeguard EMT response officer.
Lee said if you’re not a strong swimmer, don’t go beyond waist deep.
“If you’re being sucked out into deep water, get back toward shore. If you feel you are a good swimmer, just be aware that rip currents are very real and strong, especially with waves like this. Just be aware of your surroundings,” Lee said.
Before the Fourth of July holiday, 60 drownings were reported at Florida beaches.
While the ocean is rougher than normal, lifeguards with Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue said drownings can happen in swimming pools with people just feet away.
That’s why the state is looking to prevent drownings by offering a Swimming Lesson Voucher Program that will provide free swim lessons to those in need.
The Florida Department of Health is still working to develop a group of providers and finalize the criteria of how to qualify before the program is made available.
The only current requirements are that the child be younger than 4 years old. Children under 4 die more from drownings that anything else, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
To participate in the program, families must make 200% of the federal poverty level or less.