Volusia County’s Youth Water Safety Initiative Offers Free Alarms to Families

Posted On: June 26, 2024

Volusia County will distribute free door and pool-motion alarms starting at 9 a.m. on Friday, June 28, at six locations to improve water safety for households with children. The giveaway includes a four-pack of window/door alarms that emit a sound when a door or window opens and pool alarms that activate with water surface disturbances. Each household can receive one set of each alarm type.

Residents of Volusia County who are at least 18 years old and willing to complete the necessary paperwork are eligible to receive the alarms. When collecting the alarms, applicants must provide proof of residency, such as a driver's license, mortgage documents, rental lease, or utility bill. The individual picking up the alarms must also reside in the household using them. There are no income requirements to qualify for an alarm.

The alarms will be available at six regional libraries on a first-come, first-served basis until supplies run out. No appointments or reservations are being provided. Distribution sites include:

• Daytona Beach Regional Library, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway
• DeLand Regional Library, 130 E. Howry Ave.
• Deltona Regional Library, 2150 Eustace Ave.
• New Smyrna Beach Regional Library, 1001 S. Dixie Freeway
• Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St.
• Port Orange Regional Library, 1005 City Center Circle

The Volusia County Council endorsed this initiative during its May 21 meeting in an effort to prevent accidental drownings, the leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4 in Florida. In addition, the council approved funding for the Volusia Flagler Family YMCA and the Daytona Beach Parks and Recreation Department to offer free or reduced-rate swim lessons to income-eligible children this summer. Parents interested in enrolling their children in swim lessons can contact the YMCA or the Daytona Beach Parks and Recreation Department.