Watch Now: Tips for Summer Swim Safety (Part 2)

(VIDEO: The tragic death of a family member has inspired one Baptist Health physician to help the community learn about water safety.)

Every day, an average of 10 people die in the United States from drowning – 20 percent of them are children aged 14 or younger, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury death for children and sixth for people of all ages. In addition, for every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries.

For one West Kendall Baptist Hospital physician, the tragedy is all too familiar. Zulma Berrios, M.D., a physician liaison with West Kendall Baptist Hospital, lost her young niece, Gala, in a drowning when she was just a toddler. Dr. Berrios is passionate about participating in West Kendall Baptist Hospital’s Safe Summer Days water safety presentations.

Dr. Berrios, swim instructors and firefighters alike point to simple safety tips that can prevent a tragedy like drowning from happening. The Baptist Health South Florida News Team talks to them about what you can do to keep children safe. Watch it now!

Watch this related content: Harper’s Story: Near-Drowning Victim Visits Baptist Children’s Hospital

West Kendall Baptist Hospital and Little Swimmers will be offering three presentations on water safety.
Featured speakers will be Fernando Mendoza, M.D. and Zulma Berrios, M.D.
Dates: Thursday, May 7, Thursday, May 14 and Thursday, May 28, from 7-8 p.m.
Location: West Kendall Baptist Hospital 9555 SW 162 Avenue
All participants will receive up to a $75 discount on swimming lessons from Little Swimmers.
For more information or to register, call Anna Diaz at 786-467-3404.

Tags: Baptist Health South Florida, children's health, community health, West Kendall Baptist Hospital