Playing in the water is one of the great joys of childhood, yet drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children 14 and under. Each year, nearly 400 children ages 14 and under drown while participating in water recreation and, in 2002, an estimated 2,700 children under 14 were treated in hospital emergency rooms for near-drowning and drowning. As many as 20 percent of near-drowning survivors suffer severe, permanent neurological disability.

  SAFE KIDS SUFFOLK promotes childhood injury prevention by uniting diverse groups in the local community to develop innovative educational tools and strategies, initiate public policy changes, promote new technology and raise awareness about many risk areas.

  SAFE KIDS Suffolk, in partnership with the Long Island Yacht Club, 307 Little East Neck Road South, will highlight a public water safety initiative entitled "Splash into Safety!" 8:00 a.m. to noon, on Saturday, June 5. Parents, caregivers and children will learn how to prevent near-drownings, drownings, traumatic brain injury, pedestrian injury and will be provided with the necessary knowledge to help keep their children safe from preventable injuries.