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This article reports that in South Florida, drowning is the number one killer of children under the age of 5. From 1998 to 2000, there were a total of 34 drowning deaths of this demographic in Broward County, Florida according to the county's medical examiner. Not surprising when one considers that there are 23 miles of beach frontage and 126 navigable miles of canals located within the one county. The need for a drowning prevention program became clear when the average number of drowning deaths of children under 5 grew to an average of 10 deaths a year. Swim Central was formally established in 1999 as a joint effort between the Broward County government, Florida Legislature and the School Board of Broward County. Essentially, Swim Central has become Broward County's coordinating agency for water safety instruction and awareness for children and adults

Discusses the importance of state injury mortality data in the construction of efficient prevention programs. Importance of non-fatality information; Construction of report forms; Specific focus on childhood submersions in Oklahoma sample state data provided. INSET: Where to collect submersion data..

Examines the growing popularity of preschool aquatic programs and their role in the formation of developmental aquatics, a multidisciplinary curricula centered on aquatic readiness for preschool children. Factors of aquatic readiness; Spotlight on the Preschool Aquatic Developmental Learning and Readiness Skills Program (Paddlers) program of the Washington State University.

Profiles the National Safety Council/Ellis and Associates Learn-to-Swim program being marketed by the National Recreation and Park Association. Description of each age- and ability-specific component of Learn-to-Swim program; Role of safety and risk management in program; Thrust of program; Role played by parents; Administration; Support from national organizations; Cost-effectiveness.

The article focuses on water safety at the coastal parks in the New York City (NYC). Topics discussed include initiative of Long Island State Parks Commissioner Robert Moses for providing swimming education and water safety measures to communities to prevent drowning incidents, hosting of the Swim for Life, a program for teaching NYC second graders how to swim, and partnership with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, to incorporate beach-closure information.