UPDATE (04-11-19): The Volusia County Sheriff's Office has canceled the event due to police activity in the area. The CompStat meeting that was scheduled to follow the event is also canceled.
Earlier reporting below.
Deltona, FL - According to the Volusia County Sheriff, it's one of the biggest leading causes of death in children under four.
And the Volusia County Sheriff's Office says our state is currently the leader when it comes to drowning deaths in children four and under.
In response, VCSO is hosting a community discussion on preventing child drownings.
"When you look at the statistics from 2011 to 2017, 18 children under the age of four drowned," said Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood. "And that number is rising."
When asked about what kind of prevention options were available, Sheriff Chitwood mentioned fencing around pools and ponds, as well as alarms that alert people as to when water splashes or moves in a pool.
Figures from the Florida Department of Health says that the number of children who drown in our state each year could fill three to four preschool classrooms.
Those drowning deaths don't just include pools, it also includes other bodies of water including bathtubs and even buckets.
Guest speakers will be in attendance to answer questions and help residents with any resources they might need.
The Sheriff's Office is also anticipating representatives from FDOH, the Four Townes Family YMCA and several swimming lesson providers at the event.
The event begins at 6 p.m. tomorrow night (April 11th) at Deltona City Hall, found off 2345 Providence Boulevard. The discussion will be followed by VCSO's monthly CompStat meeting.
