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Drownings of Florida children have doubled over the same time last year

Posted at 8:08 AM, May 11, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-11 08:08:45-04

Drownings have increased with children in Florida by 100% between Jan. 1 and May 10, as opposed to last year around the same time, according to Palm Beach County Ocean Rescue.

May is National Water Safety Month and with beaches reopening in Florida, lifeguards and officials want to make sure you are staying safe by implementing best practices, no matter if its in a pool, beach, or on a boat.

Palm Beach County Ocean Rescue says to not let your guard down during the coronavirus pandemic.

"People are home, children are home that are usually in day care," Palm Beach County Ocean Rescue Lt. Dan Barnickel said. "It's an adjustment for everybody. And just to make sure that those layers of protection are in place to keep children safe."

Barnickel went on to say to make sure that you are employing the five layers of protection which includes adult supervision and swim lessons.

For more information visit the Drowning Prevention Coalition website and get current information for Palm Beach County beaches here .