Water safety advocates and first responders are reminding families not to let their guard down around the water after the drowning of an 11-year-old girl at Little Hickory Beach on Sunday night.
Paul DeMello, president of Just Against Childhood Drowning, knows the heartbreak of losing a child all too well. Years ago, he lost his twin boys in a drowning accident, and every new tragedy, he says, feels like ripping off a fresh bandage.
"It just breaks my heart over and over again," DeMello said. "Everybody associates water with playtime, fun time, bath time. It’s easy for a child to go missing near water. They're drawn to it."
Florida continues to lead the nation in child drownings, a statistic DeMello calls "devastating." So far this year, more than 20 children have drowned across the state.
The latest incident happened Sunday night at Little Hickory Beach in Bonita Springs. Fire rescue and Lee County deputies tried to save a young girl, but despite their efforts, she died.
Beachgoers were left shaken.
"An 11-year-old, that’s so heartbreaking," said Joice Davis, who was visiting the beach Monday.
First responders emphasize the dangers lurking even in familiar waters.
"In Southwest Florida, we do experience rip currents," Nicole Hornberger with Bonita Springs Fire Rescue said. "Families should look for water that appears to be pulling away from shore instead of moving towards it."
Hornberger also shared advice for beachgoers: when you arrive, take the time to survey the water and identify potential hazards before setting up for the day.
Another critical tip: always designate a "water watcher."
"If you have swimmers — whether at the ocean, beach, or pool — have one adult who is committed to watching them the entire time," Hornberger said. "It can happen to anyone. An excellent swimmer can drown just as easily as someone less confident."
DeMello stresses that drowning does not have a season — it’s a year-round danger, especially in Florida. He urges parents to prioritize life jackets and constant supervision.
"Mother Nature doesn't care if it's summertime or not," he said. "Be cautious always — especially with rip currents."
As the weather warms and more families head to beaches and pools, experts hope vigilance will help prevent future tragedies.
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