Florida Leads Nation in Child Drownings, Launches “Swim South Florida” Campaign

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Florida, known for its beautiful bodies of water, also holds a grim distinction as the leader in child drownings.

Local 10 is launching “Swim South Florida,” a station-wide campaign aimed at raising awareness and saving lives. The campaign will be spearheaded by Local 10 anchor and mom, Nicole Perez.

Nicole just had a conversation with Casey McGovern, the Every Child a Swimmer program's program manager, who tragically lost her daughter Edna Mae to drowning.

“She was a gift, the most incredible gift, happy go lucky baby, independent. In just 29 minutes from checking out of Publix as a family of five, my worst nightmare happened,” McGovern recounted.

McGovern explained that it was a typical summer day by the pool. She briefly stepped away while putting away groceries, only to return and find Edna Mae missing. She frantically searched the house before discovering the sliding door ajar and spotting her daughter in the pool.

“My world stopped. I started screaming and jumped in the pool fully clothed,” said McGovern. Despite her efforts, Edna Mae could not be saved.

Determined to prevent other families from experiencing similar heartbreak, McGovern dedicated her life to swim safety. She helped pass SB 544, the Swimming Lesson Voucher Program, which provides $500,000 to fund free swimming lessons for children in Florida.

“Every Child a Swimmer is a non-profit that provides learn-to-swim scholarships to underserved or low-income families. We partner with local swim schools, offering up to three months of swim lessons for children,” McGovern explained.

The program has also influenced legislation in Georgia and Arkansas, requiring schools to share water safety information and provide resources for local swim lessons.

“I want parents to understand that it can happen to anyone and to think about what they can do to prevent it,” said McGovern. “Having a pool without supervision is like leaving a loaded gun on the table. It claims lives just as quickly.”

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