Child drowning calls in Martin County prompt safety message from firefighters

STUART, Fla. — Following multiple calls of child drownings in Martin County, firefighters are calling for safety and prevention measures ahead of the holiday weekend.

Josh Jenkins, community risk reduction specialist for Martin County Fire Rescue (MCFR), said crews have responded to four child drowning calls since January, including two in the last two weeks.

One of them, he said, was fatal.

This upcoming Memorial Day weekend, Jenkins said MCFR expects many more people to cool off in the water, and since alcohol is typically a part of holiday celebrations, he urged parents to to pay attention and be prepared if something happens.

“The first link in what we call the chain of survival is recognizing that a person is in distress and calling 911,” Jenkins said. “If we don’t activate our EMS division first, we’re wasting time and those wheels aren’t turning for our rescue. And then we want that person to perform quality CPR immediately and until they are raised.”

The fire department offers rescue and CPR training through two options: a free one-hour hands-on lecture or a two-hour certification program, the latter of which costs $40.

MCFR also partners with Sailfish Splash Water Park in Stuart, which partners with the Red Cross to offer free swimming lessons and drowning prevention training.

For more information about CPR certification through Martin County Fire Rescue, click here.

For more information on registering for free swimming lessons, click here.