Our Mission
We are focused on making all waterways safer by implementing Water Rescue Stations, extending lifeguard hours, requiring additional lifeguard stations/towers to be placed in needed areas, and educating the public on safe water practices 365 days a year. We believe that rescuing through these methods and educating the public, saves lives.
Water Rescue Stations
What is a water rescue station?
A water rescue station is a plastic cabinet held up by either a stainless steel, wooden or PVC post or suspended on a railing. This cabinet protects the life ring and rope from the elements such as the weather, extending the life ring& rope’s shelf life and maintaining it in optimum working condition to save a drowning victim and prevent a rescuer from becoming a victim. Water rescue stations are needed in areas where lifeguards are not present and the threat of drowning is imminent.
Lifeguarding
As we know, lifeguards are on the frontlines of all water rescues and their work at times is overlooked. Lifeguards are stationed in desginated “swimming” areas however not all desginated “swimming” areas have lifeguards, despite repeated drowning incidents in a particular location. Lifeguards are vital to providing a safe beach or lake environment. Always be mindful of flags posted on lifeguard towers before entering the water and remember to swim near a lifeguard to ensure your safety.
To learn about how to become a lifeguard and set requirements with the American Red Cross click here
Education Campaign
Water safety education is available everywhere yet thousands continue to die each year due to drowning events. The American Red Cross has provided the Longfellow Whale Tales lesson plans (Click here) to teach children safe water practices. Everyone has access to these lesson plans and activity sheets are available to print.
Please always check your local weather report for updates before heading out into the water.
“More than 50% of drowning victims treated in emergency departments (EDs) require hospitalization or transfer for further care (compared with a hospitalization rate of about 6% for all unintentional injuries).1,2 These nonfatal drowning injuries can cause severe brain damage that may result in long-term disabilities such as memory problems, learning disabilities, and permanent loss of basic functioning (e.g., permanent vegetative state).” - CDC
Financial Facts:
While we cannot put a price on life we need to know how much preventable drowning incidents are costing taxpayers.
According to the Florida Health Department in 2014 average hospital admission cost for a drowning injury in 2014 was $16,705
Average hospital stay is 2 days but needed care & rehabilitation can be much longer than this average
43-50% of cost is covered by Medicaid - you the taxpayer
“For every 1 child who dies from drowning another 5 receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries ” assuming this also applies to adults:
22 deaths were recorded in Miami Dade in 2019 as per Vital Satistics
22 known deaths x 5 non-fatal drowning hospitalizations = 110 estimated non-fatal drowning victims requiring emergency care
*$16,705 average hospitalization cost x 110 victims= $1,837,550 total hospitalization cost
.43 Percentage of Medicaid coverage x $1,837,550 total cost = 790,146.50 cost to taxpayers for 2019
7,581 lives lost in 19 years in Florida
763 lives lost in Miami Dade
Using the above formula this cost Dade resident taxpayers approx.: $27,403,717.25 in 19 years
Estimated cost of one Water Rescue Station including the cabinet, life ring and rope that may be used multiple times? $422 + tax
Click here to visit website to obtain a quote