West Manatee Fire Department Promotes Water Watchers to Prevent Drownings
MANATEE COUNTY – As temperatures rise and more families head outdoors for beach days and poolside fun, the West Manatee Fire Department reminds the public of a life-saving yet straightforward practice: designate a "Water Watcher."
A water watcher is a responsible adult who actively supervises children in or near water. Unlike casual observation, water watching is focused, free from distractions such as phones, reading, or socializing. This role is rotated among adults regularly, usually every 15 to 30 minutes, ensuring constant, attentive supervision.
Drowning remains one of the leading causes of death for children under five in Florida. Often, incidents occur silently and quickly, even in shallow water. Tragedies can be prevented with proactive safety measures like appointing a water watcher during any swimming activity, whether it's a backyard pool, a public facility, or at the beach.
Recognizing the power of prevention, the West Manatee Fire Department has stepped up efforts to spread awareness. Tomorrow, firefighters will be distributing free Water Watcher tags to families. These brightly colored tags serve as visual reminders of who is responsible for supervision and help establish clear accountability during gatherings where children are present.
The department’s drowning prevention initiative aims to reduce water-related accidents by empowering communities with education and tools. The Water Watcher tags are part of a broader effort to engage families in shared responsibility and life-saving habits.
Fire Marshal, Rodney Kwiatkowski proclaims, “Water Watcher Badges empower everyday people to become heroes in their own backyards. When a community commits to shared responsibility, we create safer spaces for our children to grow, play, and thrive.”
Community members are encouraged to pick up a tag and learn more about how vigilant supervision can keep Manatee County’s children safe this swim season.
During a recent West Manatee Fire Rescue “Walk for Life”, WMFR Fire Inspector Cierra Price walks Manatee Public Beach, passing out Water Watcher badges.