Safe Kids Presents "While You Weren't Watching" TV Special

Jacksonville, Florida, May 18, 2009 -- "While You Weren't Watching," a water safety education program from Safe Kids Northeast Florida and Wolfson Children's Hospital, will air Friday, May 22, at 8 pm on WTLV Channel 12. This timely safety information program is funded by a grant from Kohl's, and is part of a larger local initiative called "Kohl's Gear Up 4 Safety."

The 30-minute special targets the leading killer of Florida's children under the age of five: accidental drowning. Florida leads the nation in the numbers of children under five who drown, and drowning is the second leading cause of injury deaths in children ages 5-14 in the state.

The focus of "While You Weren't Watching" is on the real culprit in 90 percent of childhood drownings: a brief lapse in adult supervision. Practical and current solutions are offered to parents, caregivers and pool owners to help everyone enjoy all of the water recreation opportunities Florida has to offer while keeping precious children safe during the fun. Childhood drowning risks at home, in pools and spas, the ocean, and while boating and swimming in open water are addressed.

"While You Weren't Watching" is hosted by Jacksonville native Nancy Hogshead-Makar, winner of three Gold Medals and one Silver Medal in swimming during the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Now an attorney, author and motivational speaker, she is also a mother of three and an advocate for water safety.

"If just one child's life is saved because their parent is reminded that drowning can happen in any family, this program will be invaluable," said Ms. Hogshead-Makar.

For more information, visit www.wolfsonchildrenshospital.org/safekids or www.firstcoastnews.com.