Summer in Marion County means more time outdoors, more time in the water, and more time in the heat. It also means more opportunities to take care of yourself and the people you love. At MCHD, prevention is at the heart of everything we do, and that includes helping our community stay safe during the months when certain risks run highest.
This summer, two of the most important things to plan for are drowning prevention and extreme heat. Here is what every Marion County resident should know.
Water Safety Risks Are Closer Than You Think
Drowning is one of the most preventable causes of death in the United States, yet it remains one of the most common. According to the American Red Cross:
- An estimated 4,000 people die from unintentional drowning every year in the United States, an average of 11 deaths per day.
- For every drowning death, there are two additional non-fatal drowning incidents.
- Drowning is the number one cause of death for children ages 1 to 4.
- It’s the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5 to 14.
Where Do Drownings Occur?
- For children under 5 years old, 87% of drowning fatalities occur in home pools or hot tubs, most owned by family, friends, or relatives.
- After pools, bathtubs are the second most common location for young children. Buckets, bath seats, decorative ponds, and even toilets also pose real risks for infants and toddlers.
- Children ages 5 and older are more likely to drown in natural bodies of water such as ponds, lakes, and rivers.
The Threat of Drowning Risks
Drowning rates are significantly higher among Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native communities, particularly for children and young adults. According to the CDC, these disparities are closely tied to unequal access to swim education and safe swimming facilities. Closing this gap starts with access to swim education and intentional community investment.
What You Can Do
- Ensure every family member learns to swim and achieves basic water competency: enter the water, stay afloat, change position, swim a short distance, and exit safely.
- Always supervise children near water without distractions, including cell phones.
- Use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets when boating or fishing, regardless of swimming ability.
- Fence home pools and spas with four-sided barriers that separate the water from the house.
- Learn CPR. Your ability to respond in those first minutes can save a life.
MCHD Resources To Practice Water Safety
MCHD’s Active Marion Project has partnered with GatorCPR to offer free Hands-Only CPR training for Marion County businesses and organizations. Minimum 10 participants are required and MCHD covers the cost. Contact AMP to schedule a training session for your workplace, school, or organization.
To find additional water safety and wellness resources in Marion County, visit the Healthy Ocala directory.
Local Spotlight: Harlow’s Helping Hands
Right here in Ocala, a local nonprofit is turning personal tragedy into community protection. Harlow’s Helping Hands was founded in loving memory of Harlow Will, who fought bravely for over 30 days before passing away. In his honor, the organization is dedicated to bringing awareness and providing families with essential drowning prevention resources, swimming lessons, and CPR training.
Their mission is to ensure that every child learns to swim, every caregiver knows life-saving CPR, and every family has the pool safety tools they need to prevent tragedy. You can find free downloadable resources on their website, including a Pool Safety Checklist and a guide to the Five Layers of Protection.
How To Beat the Heat in Marion County
Florida summers are intense, and extreme heat is one of the most dangerous and underestimated weather conditions we face.
According to the American Red Cross, heat illness can affect anyone, but those most at risk include:
- Older adults
- Infants, young children, and pregnant women
- People with chronic medical conditions
- Outdoor workers
- People with limited access to air conditioning
Know the Three Types of Heat Illness
Heat cramps are the mildest form, involving muscle spasms and heavy sweating. Move to a cool place, drink water or a sports drink, and seek medical help if cramps last more than an hour.
Heat exhaustion is more serious. Signs include heavy sweating, cold and clammy skin, a fast and weak pulse, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Move the person to a cool place, loosen clothing, cool the body with wet cloths or a cool bath, and sip water slowly. Get medical help right away if symptoms worsen, vomiting occurs, or confusion sets in.
Heat Stroke is life-threatening. Signs include a body temperature of 104 degrees or higher, hot and red skin, a fast and strong pulse, confusion, and possible loss of consciousness. Call 911 immediately, move the person to a cool place, and cool their body right away. Do not give the person anything to drink. This is a medical emergency.
What You Can Do
- Drink at least three quarters of a gallon of water per day, more if you are active or outdoors. Avoid sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic beverages.
- Identify a cool location in advance if you do not have air conditioning at home, such as a public library, shopping mall, or cooling center.
- Check on neighbors, older adults, and others who may be more vulnerable.
- Never leave children or pets in a parked car, even for a moment.
MCHD Resources To Beat the Heat
If you or someone you know needs help finding cooling resources, food assistance, healthcare navigation, or other community support this summer, search the full Healthy Ocala directory for local resources including housing and utilities support, food assistance, and senior services.
MCHD Is Here Year-Round
Summer fun and community safety go hand in hand. Taking a few simple steps before an emergency happens is the most powerful thing you can do for yourself and your family.
MCHD is committed to investing in programs and resources that help our community prevent illness, stay safe, and thrive.
To find local health and wellness resources in Marion County, visit the Healthy Ocala directory.
