Drownings are Quick and Silent

Drowning is the #1 cause of death in children ages 1-4. Florida leads the nation in this age group. Drownings are silent and can occur when a parent is only away for a moment. In the time it takes you to grab something from inside, your child can find the pool.

The information provided below is meant to be saved, shared, printed, etc. We want to equip parents, grandparents, all caregivers, and the entire community with the tools necessary so that they can provide a safe environment around pools and open bodies of water.

Water Safety is KEY!

Its so important for everyone to understand drownings happen in just moments. It can happen to anyone. One moment you’re enjoying the pool with your family, taking out the trash, or even bringing in the groceries, and the next minute your house is surrounded by paramedics.

4 Important Keys to Water Safety

Adult Supervision

We are the first line of defense. If a child goes missing ALWAYS check the water first!

Pool Barriers/Alarms

The Gunner Martin Foundation strongly suggests a minimum of TWO protective barriers.

Alarms should be placed on every door and window leading outside.

Swim Lessons

gives a $40 voucher to any Broward county residents to use towards swim lessons.

Swim lessons should begin when a child is 6 months old.  Water Smart Broward

Click HERE for your voucher.

CPR

applied to get your Water Smart Broward voucher.

Click HERE and type CPR into the class schedule for more information.

Center and Broward Health Coral Springs offer a free CPR training class when you have

When responding to a drowning, the first minutes are crucial. Broward General Medical

Printables

Videos

The Gunner Martin Foundation was featured on Wesh 2 News Orlando in November 2022.

The Gunner Martin Foundation was featured on Fox 35 News Orlando in November 2022.

Gunner’s Story – Channel 6 News 2022

Gunner’s Story – Channel 6 News 2023

Gunner’s Story – Telemundo 2022

Seminole County Water Safety PSA

Chris and Christina share about what happened during an intro video used for a women’s luncheon in the Spring of 2017.

Gunner’s Memorial Service – Part 1. Chris and Christina speak about Gunner’s life and how his purpose was to spread joy.

Gunner’s Memorial Service – Part 2. Pastor Byron shares a message with the Martin family after the loss of their son, Gunner. Just when you thought death had won…

Safety Equipment

Pool Safety Net/Cover

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) in compliance with standard F1346-91. The cover should be able to hold a weight of 485lb (2 adults and 1 child) to permit rescue operation. Any opening in the cover must be small and strong enough to prevent the test object from being passed through.

Pool Safety Barrier and Gate

A residential swimming pool barrier must be at least 4 feet tall, have no gaps or openings where a child could get through, be placed around the perimeter of the pool, be placed sufficiently away from the water’s edge, and be equipped with a self-closing self-latching gate that opens outward.

Pool Alarm

A swimming pool alarm that, when placed in a pool, sounds an alarm upon detection of an accidental or unauthorized entrance into the water.

High Door Locks

An extra bit of security, not to be used on its own. Prevents children from being able to open the door when placed no lower than 54 inches from above the floor.

Window/Door Alarms

All doors and windows providing direct access from the home to the pool must be equipped with an exit alarm that makes audible, continuous alarm sounds when any door or window that allows access to a pool is left open. The alarm must have a minimum sound pressure rating of 85 dB A at 10 feet.

Self Closing/Self Latching device for doors

All doors providing direct access from the home to the pool must be equipped with a self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor.