With summer around the corner, what better time to discuss drowning prevention and swim safety? In episode 12 of KidzDocTalk, Dr. Jennie and special guest, Cassie McGovern, discusses how frequently drownings occur, what to teach families to help prevent drownings from happening, at-home water safety as well as outside-of-the-home supervision in bodies of water.
This episode covers:
- When children should start swimming lessons and building a relationship with water
-Best practices and tools to help prevent drownings from happening
-The different bodies of water to be weary of (besides pools)
-False senses of security that floaties give both parents and children
-The use of U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD (personal floating device).
Cassie (pronounced Casey) McGovern is the Founder of the McGovern Foundation, aimed at raising awareness regarding drowning prevention and organ donation. She has served as the Drowning Prevention Program Supervisor with The Florida Department of Health in Broward County for the past 7 years. Cassie and her team created innovative initiatives to help educate our community on the risk factors related to drowning prevention. Cassie also brings a unique prospective, being a mother of a drowning victim.
Resources:
The McGovern Foundation: https://www.mcgovernfoundation.com/
The McGovern Foundation Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/McGovern-Foundation-Inc-dba-Ems-Place-184285014995159
The McGovern Foundation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcgovernfoundation/
Water Smart Broward, Request Water Safety Presentation: https://watersmartbroward.org/get-involved/request-water-safety-presentation/