Protect every child around water
Drowning is Preventable
Every drowning is preventable. Learn the lifesaving steps families can take to keep children safe in and around water.
Water Safety in Collier County
Every number represents a child, a family, and a community committed to prevent drowning.
Every child remembered inspires our commitment to prevention.
Layers of Protection Save Lives
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4. The Layers or Protection are proven strategies that keep children save around the water. We never know which layer of protection will save a life until it does, so please - layer up!
Every layer matters. Every child deserves protection.
Use Layers of Protection
BARRIERS AND ALARMS
BARRIERS AND ALARMS
BARRIERS AND ALARMS
Fences, self-closing/self-latching gates and secured doors with alarms can prevent young children from wandering into the pool/canal/lake.
ACTIVE SUPERVISION
BARRIERS AND ALARMS
BARRIERS AND ALARMS
Actively supervise children in and around open bodies of water, giving them your undivided attention. If your child is missing check nearby water areas first.
WATER COMPETENCY
BARRIERS AND ALARMS
WATER COMPETENCY
To stay safer in the water, all family members should learn to swim well.
Teach children NEVER SWIM ALONE and that they MUST have an adult with them near a pool/canal/lake.
CPR TRAINING
AUTISM SAFETY
WATER COMPETENCY
CPR Saves Lives
Get training in basic water rescue skills, first aid, and CPR. Have rescue equipment and a phone by the pool.
LIFE JACKETS
AUTISM SAFETY
AUTISM SAFETY
Young children and inexperienced swimmers need to wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket (not water wings)
AUTISM SAFETY
AUTISM SAFETY
AUTISM SAFETY
Children with autism are at higher risk of drowning. Prevention measures must be tailored to each child's individual needs.
Meet Stewie the Duck
Stewie the Duck
Stewie the Duck is Collier County's beloved water safety mascot, helping children learn important skills to stay safe around water. Through books, school visits, community events, and interactive learning tools, Stewie teaches young children simple water safety habits that can save lives.
Learn the Three Water Safety Rules
- Don't Jump in Until You Learn to Swim
- Wear a Life Jacket
- A Grown-Up Must Watch You in the Pool
Water Safety Starts Early
Stewie's message reaches children ages 2 to 6 through the award-winning book Stewie the Duck Learns to Swim, classroom visits, and fun educational activities that encourage families to make water safety a daily habit.
Bring Stewie to Your Event
Stewie loves visiting preschools, VPK programs, family events, and community gatherings throughout Collier County. Invite Stewie to help teach children and families about staying safe around water.
Seguridad en el Agua
SEGURIDAD EN EL AGUA
Las piscinas, mares, ríos son lugares para divertirse en familia. Para que todos se mantengan más seguros en y cerca del agua, es importante seguir sencillas medidas de seguridad.
Water Smart Kids Campaign
Water Smart Kids is a pediatrician-led drowning prevention initiative that connects families with essential water safety education during routine well-child visits.
Through water safety prescription booklets, healthcare providers help parents learn about the Layers of Protection, swim lessons, CPR training, and strategies to reduce children's access to water hazards.
By partnering with pediatric practices throughout Collier County, the program encourages early prevention and helps families take proactive steps to keep children safe around water.
Providing families with life-saving water safety information before tragedy strikes.
About Water Smart Collier
Water Smart Collier is a community-wide water safety initiative dedicated to preventing childhood drowning and promoting safe behaviors around water throughout Collier County.
Led by the NCH Safe & Healthy Children's Coalition, Water Smart Collier brings together families, educators, health professional, and community partners with one shared goal - keeping children safe in and around water.
Through education, awareness campaigns, community outreach, and prevention programs, we work to reduce drowning and water-related injuries while empowering families with lifesaving knowledge.