Josh the Baby Otter visits Port Salerno Elementary

Josh the Baby Otter - 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 accidental 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 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 CPR classes for infant and young children. Both organizations have offered to help for those interested.

Donations for the purchase of the coloring books have been received from Jupiter Island 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 who wishes to help, may send donations to HSPS Rotary Charity Fund, PO Box 33 Pt. Salerno, FL 34992

Additional Resources

YMCA offers demonstrations at no charge, 4-5 children in each class with parents in attendance signing a liability waiver. Then possibility for vouchers for discounts on YMCA swim lessons through the Rotary.

Contact: Elisha Bonthron
Aquatic & Sports Director YMCA
772-286-4444 ext 258
Also, private demo & lessons at:
"Swim with Gills" - Christina Gillen-Theiss
561-222-6547

American Red Cross Infant & Child CPR
Normal charge is $40.00 per person
They will offer a group rate and will come to local locations in cooperation with Rotary.

Contact: Linda Olson - Treasure Coast Director
561-650-9112

Josh the Baby Otter Poster

Download a printable copy of the poster below HERE.