Celebrating Our Impact on Marco Island

The NCH Safe and Healthy Children’s Coalition is committed to keeping children safe and healthy through several key programs on Marco Island. From life jacket loaner stands to water-safety education and active living initiatives, these efforts create a safer environment for local and visiting families.

One of our most visible initiatives is the network of “Kids Don’t Float” life jacket loaner stands at six sites across the Island. These stations provide free access to life jackets that families can borrow and return, ensuring children stay protected if they have forgotten a life jacket or do not have access to one. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 9-3 Marco Island, is an integral part of this program, maintaining the stands ensuring the life jackets are in good condition.

Stewie the Duck, our water-safety mascot, teaches children key safety rules through stories, songs, and school visits. His appearances, including the YMCA’s Boo-Tacular event in October, help reinforce messages such as Never Swim Alone, wearing a life jacket, and asking an adult before going near the water, empowering children to be advocates for their own safety.

The City of Marco Island further demonstrates its commitment to drowning prevention by issuing proclamations annually recognizing May as Drowning Prevention Month. These proclamations elevate public awareness and highlight ongoing local efforts to reduce childhood drowning.

In addition to water safety, the Coalition partners with Tommy Barfield Elementary and Collier County Public Schools on the 95210 Kids on the GO! program. Students work toward running a cumulative 26.2 miles during the school year, the distance of a full marathon, supported by health champions. Participants who reach the goal celebrate with a final-mile run on a high school track. In addition to physical activity, children learn the 95210 healthy-lifestyle habits: nine hours of sleep, five servings of fruits and vegetables, two hours or less of screen time, one hour of physical activity, and 0 sugary beverages or tobacco. This year, we worked with the YMCA of Collier County to expand the program to reach additional children in their after-school programs on the Island and at Manatee Elementary.