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As we approach the start of summer, the Broward Sheriff’s Office West Park District would like to highlight several important safety reminders for our residents.
WATER SAFETY
With the school year coming to a close, many children will be enjoying swimming pools and outdoor activities. While this is a time for fun, it’s also important to stay vigilant especially when it comes to water safety. Drownings remain a leading cause of accidental death for children under the age of five, but they are preventable.
Please keep the following safety tips in mind:
- Always supervise young children around water.
- Avoid distractions while children are swimming.
- Keep small children within arm’s reach.
- Use child-proof fencing, locks, alarms, or sensors around pools.
- Teach children to swim or how to float on their backs.
- Have rescue equipment and a phone nearby.
- Learn CPR.
Broward County offers year-round swim lessons, and residents can access a swim coupon by visiting https://watersmartbroward.org.
As children take to the streets on bikes and scooters this summer, we ask all West Park drivers to reduce their speed and stay alert in neighborhoods. Additionally, please avoid distracted driving, even a quick glance at your phone can have serious consequences. Please keep our roads safe for everyone, especially our youngest residents.
Let’s all do our part to keep our community safe this summer. If you notice anything unusual or concerning, report it right away.
Lastly, please take a moment to review the information provided about the BSO Cares Special Needs Registry. This voluntary program helps first responders better assist individuals with special needs during an emergency or interaction. To learn more or to register, please visit www.sheriff.org/cares.
SPECIAL NEEDS REGISTRY
BSO Cares is a voluntary registry for individuals with developmental disabilities, including ASD (Autism Syndrome Disorder). This service is offered to the residents of Broward County at no cost. This program aims to utilize the information in the registry to assist our first responders when dispatched to a call for service involving an individual with special needs. BSO Cares is available to residents who reside within BSO-contracted cities.
If you have a family member or are the caregiver for someone who has a disability, impairment, or cognitive delay and feel they could benefit from the Special Needs Database, please submit an online registration form.
If you or the individual that is being registered does not reside within a city that receives BSO patrol services, please contact your local law enforcement department for similar programs that may be offered in your jurisdiction.
How BSO Cares works:
- Participants will complete a BSO Cares registration form for the special needs individual.
- Upon the completion and submission of the registration form, a deputy from your assigned city will contact you to confirm that your information is correct. Upon completion of this process, the information will be entered into the BSO Computer-Aided Dispatch System. In the event that a law enforcement officer is dispatched to the residence that is registered on file, Sheriff’s Deputies will be alerted and made aware of the individual registered with BSO Cares.
It should be noted that upon the completion of the registration process, your participation in the BSO Cares Program is valid for one year from the date of entry. Annual registration is required to remain in the program and will allow you to make any updates or changes to your personal information.
A member of the Broward Sheriff’s Office will contact you to verify the information and obtain a photograph. The information obtained is utilized to better serve our special needs community and is not shared with outside entities. We value the opportunity to serve our community and thank you for your participation in the BSO Cares program.
Visit: https://www.sheriff.org/BSOCares to complete an entry form.
