HOBE SOUND — Drowning Prevention – The Ultimate Goal
The Rotary Club of Hobe Sound/Port Salerno has presented the “Josh the Baby Otter” water safety program to the kindergarten classes of Pinewood, Citrus Grove, Felix A. Williams and Warfield Elementary schools. A presentation to the parents of the Dunbar Child Care Center started the program and the children attending were given coloring books to emphasize the importance of being safe when near the water. There is a schedule for presentations to Hobe Sound, Seawind and Pt Salerno Elementary schools as well as to the parents of the Hobe Sound Child Care. Rotarians doing the presentations so far have been Christine Moreno Literary Chair, Doc Buchanan, president, Steve Landwersiek, president elect, Tony Sementelli , Art Moreno, Peggy Merritt. and granddaughter Avery Merritt
The program started with the book “Josh the Baby Otter” written by Blake Collingsworth to promote water safety for children. Drowning is the #1 cause of death for children from the ages of 1-4..This program has been approved by the Martin County Board of Education and is available for presentation to other schools, libraries, day cares and other organizations Call Christine Moreno-(772) 288-1020 or Peggy Merritt-772-530-8568 to schedule.For more information about the program go to http://www.joshtheotter.com.
Chamber member Christina Gillen-Theiss from “Swim with Gills” spoke to the parents at Dunbar and will be at Hobe Sound Child Care to speak to the parents there. She has swim classes and private demonstrations for those interested The YMCA has swim classes for infants and young children and the Red Cross has CRP classes for infant and young children. Both organizations have offered to help for those interested.
Donations for the purchase of the coloring books has been received from Jupiter Is Pools, Davy Jones Pools, Flamingo Pools, Attorneys Paul McMahon and Gloretta Hall ,Jan and Richard Otten and Lillian Johnson from the Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce.
Anyone that wishes to help may send donations to HSPS Rotary Charity Fund
PO Box 33 Pt. Salerno, FL 34992
The Rotary Club of Hobe Sound/Pt Salerno meets at the Treehouse Restaurant at
Heritage Ridge Golf Club on Friday mornings at 7:15AM. Visiting Rotarians and those interested in Rotary are welcome. Call Doc Buchanan at (772) 621-6621.
Article written by Peggy Merritt, Rotarian
This story is contributed by a member of the Treasure Coast community and is neither endorsed nor affiliated with TCPalm.com