Amy C. Rippel | Special To The Sentinel
April 13, 2008
Two years ago, Alyssa Parker, 3, drowned in her family's backyard swimming
pool in Kissimmee. Her parents had lost track of her for just minutes before she
was found in the pool.
Today, Alyssa's family is hoping the lessons they learned from her death will
help save other children from drowning.
As warmer weather arrives, the Osceola County Health Department and the Community
Coalition of Osceola Water Safety have teamed up to try to reduce drownings. Beginning
this month, which is Swimming Pool Safety Month, the two groups will put on several
drowning-prevention programs and events.
The "Keep Your Eyes on the Kids" water-safety campaign will include reduced-cost
cardiopulmonary-resuscitation lessons, school lessons and fun days at community
pools through June.
Also, a swimming-lesson scholarship fund in Alyssa's name is administered through
the county Health Department. Alyssa's mom, Donna Parker, said the scholarship
is one thing she and Alyssa's father can do to ensure others don't suffer the
same tragedy.
"No parent should ever have to experience what we went through," Parker said.
Marci Hummell, the Health Department's drowning-prevention coordinator, said teaching
children to swim is of the utmost importance. It is a skill they will always use.
Hummell said Florida has the highest drowning rate in the nation for children
up to age 4. Since 2000, 30 children up to 18 years old have drowned in Osceola
County.
Swimming is "a lifelong skill that can be used anywhere," she said.
The events kick off with April Pool's Day at Celebration's community pool, 501
Sycamore St., on April 26. Besides food and games, officials from the Osceola
County Sheriff's Office and the county's emergency services will be on hand, and
Celebration lifeguards will demonstrate lifesaving skills.
On May 3, Water Safety Day will be celebrated at the Chris Lyle Aquatic Center,
3001 17th St., St. Cloud, from noon to 4 p.m. Among the participants will be the
American Red Cross and St. Cloud Fire Rescue.
"As the drowning-prevention coordinator, I will continue visiting local preschools,
day cares and pre-kindergarten classrooms to talk about the importance of being
safe in and around the water," Hummell said.
Hummell also said the county will offer $10 CPR classes through June. Swimming
lessons for kindergartners and first-graders will run through May. The swimming
lessons are part of the school curriculum.
"This program has been around for 20 years and continues to be looked upon as
unique to Osceola County," she said.
Also available are swimming lessons for children from 6 months to 6 years old,
costing from $25 to $95. The memorial scholarship in Alyssa's name is available
to offset the cost. Last year -- the first year the scholarship was offered --
122 children received scholarships.
Parker said it is gratifying to know that children are benefiting from the scholarship
program. She said parents and caretakers need to be vigilant around the pool.
Swimming lessons are one facet of that vigilance.
"I don't want her to have died in vain. It's a silent death. I could not hear
her scream for help," she said. "If I can share my story, and if I can get through
to one person and keep them from going through that pain, it's worth it."
For information about the county's water-safety programs, call 407-933-7946 from
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or go to www.swimsafeosceola.com.
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