Fernandina Beach Fire Rescue
Press Release
Ty Silcox, Chief
May 27, 2016 3:30 p.m.
Drowning is the third leading cause of accidental death in the United States and the second leading cause of accidental death for persons aged 5 to 44. For children in the one to two-year age range, drowning is the leading cause of injury or death. In Florida, drowning is the leading cause of injury or death for persons under 15 years of age.
United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) statistics over a ten-year period show that the chance of drowning at a beach without lifeguard protection is almost five times as great as drowning at a beach with lifeguards. USLA has calculated the chance that a person will drown while attending a beach protected by USLA affiliated lifeguards at 1 in 18 million (.0000055%).
Lifeguards work continually to identify hazards that might affect you. They can advise you on the safest place to swim, as well as places to avoid. A lifeguard’s primary goal is to provide you with valuable safety information to keep you safe during your visit to the beach. Talk to them when you first arrive at the beach and ask them for their advice. This is why the City of Fernandina Beach, the Florida Beach Patrol Chief’s Association (FBPCA) and the United States Lifesaving Association, South East Region (USLA-SER) are advising all beach patrons to “Swim Near a Lifeguard”.
Local Beach Flag Warning Conditions: Text BCHSAFE to 888777
Contact: Fire Chief Ty Silcox
City of Fernandina Beach Fire Department (904) 277 ‐ 7331
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