From HCA Florida Healthcare
In Summary:
Florida’s summer months bring an increase in drownings, boating accidents, heat-related illnesses, and other preventable emergencies. Doctors recommend assigning a dedicated water watcher, using properly fitted life jackets, avoiding alcohol around the water, and checking weather and surf conditions. HCA Florida Healthcare recently expanded its local emergency services with HCA Florida Wekiva Emergency in Apopka.
*****
Summertime in Central Florida is the perfect time for fun family outings to pools, beaches, lakes, and rivers. But HCA Florida Healthcare doctors note these hot summer months are also the state’s most dangerous for preventable injuries.
Related: Early prenatal care can improve outcomes for mothers and babies, health officials say.
“Many families gather near the water over the summer, and unfortunately, we begin to see more serious water-related injuries in our emergency departments,” said Dr. Craig Mitchell, an emergency room physician at HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital. “Drowning is just one of the tragedies that can happen quickly and silently, and alcohol, distraction and lack of supervision increase the risk.”
Florida continues to face one of the highest drowning rates in the nation. According to the Florida Department of Health, drowning remains the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1 to 4, and in 2024, the state recorded 452 drowning deaths, with more than 100 among children age 17 and younger.
Emergency teams across HCA Florida Healthcare regularly treat patients for drowning and near-drowning incidents, boating injuries, falls, cuts, heat-related illnesses and alcohol-related accidents during the summer months. Many of these emergencies are preventable with proper planning and supervision.
Dr. Mitchell recommends designating a dedicated “water watcher” whenever children are near water, ensuring swimmers wear properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, avoiding alcohol while swimming or boating, and checking weather conditions and surf advisories before entering the water. Swimming near lifeguards and learning CPR can also significantly improve outcomes during emergencies.
Beachgoers should pay close attention to Florida’s flag warning system. Red flags signal dangerous surf and currents, while double red flags mean the water is closed to the public. Even experienced swimmers can be vulnerable to rip currents and changing conditions.
"Water safety starts long before anyone enters the water," said Dr. Mitchell. "Taking a few minutes to assign a water watcher, review safety rules with children, and check local conditions can help prevent tragedies and ensure families enjoy a safe summer together."
As part of HCA Healthcare’s mission to care for and improve human life, HCA Florida Healthcare continues expanding access to emergency care throughout the state. One of the newest access points is HCA Florida Wekiva Emergency at 2757 West Orange Blossom Trail, Apopka. With 50 hospitals, more than 75 freestanding emergency rooms, and more than 2.9 million emergency visits last year, the network is committed to providing timely, high-quality care when every second matters.
This summer, healthcare leaders have a simple message: enjoy Florida’s waterways, but make safety the first item on every family’s checklist. Visit hcafloridahealthcare.com to find healthcare services near you, or call HCA Florida Healthcare's free Consult-A-Nurse® line at (844) 70-NURSE (844-706-8773) to speak with a licensed nurse 24/7 about any healthcare concerns.
Key Points:
- Florida recorded 452 drowning deaths in 2024, including more than 100 involving children ages 17 or younger.
- Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death among Florida children ages 1 to 4.
- A responsible adult should be assigned to watch children continuously whenever they are near water.
- Swimmers and boaters should wear properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets and avoid alcohol.
- HCA Florida Wekiva Emergency is located at 2757 West Orange Blossom Trail in Apopka.
