West Manatee Fire Rescue Promotes Beach Safety With Water Watcher Badges
West Manatee Fire Rescue’s administrative team took to the sand at Manatee County Public Beach this weekend with a mission: keeping beachgoers safe. The team distributed Water Watcher badges and shared lifesaving tips about rip current awareness and drowning prevention.
The initiative, part of the agency’s ongoing commitment to public safety, highlights the importance of designating a responsible adult to actively supervise children while they are in or near the water. A Water Watcher badge serves as a reminder that the person wearing it is focused solely on monitoring swimmers—without distractions like cell phones, books, or conversations.
According to national statistics, drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death for children under 14, with Florida ranking among the highest in the nation for child drownings. Simple steps such as active supervision, swimming in designated areas, and understanding beach conditions can make the difference between a fun day and a tragedy.
In addition to emphasizing the Water Watcher system, West Manatee Fire Rescue offered these key water safety tips:
Learn to recognize rip currents and swim parallel to shore to escape them.
Always swim near a lifeguard when possible.
Use life jackets for weak or inexperienced swimmers.
Establish clear rules for children about where and how they can swim.
Stay hydrated and take breaks from the water to avoid fatigue.
Never assume someone else is watching the children—assign a Water Watcher.
The outreach event continues tomorrow, Labor Day, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Manatee County Public Beach. Families are encouraged to stop by, pick up a badge, and learn more about how to protect their loved ones in and around the water.
