JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville City Council President Howland established the Special Committee on Drowning Prevention on Tuesday to address water safety risks across the city. The action follows two drownings in August involving autistic children in community retention ponds.
The newly formed committee will conduct a review of drowning prevention in Jacksonville, focusing on safety surrounding retention ponds and stormwater facilities. The panel will specifically evaluate risks associated with children with autism and review community water safety education efforts.
Council President Howland established the panel following a request from Councilman Reggie Gaffney Jr., who urged the City Council to investigate potential preventive measures.
Gaffney will chair the committee, which also includes Council Members Tyrona Clark-Murray and Mike Gay.
Howland noted Jacksonville’s geographic landscape and its associated safety concerns. “Jacksonville is a city defined by water,” Howland said. “Our river, beaches, ponds, pools and extensive network of waterways are among our greatest assets. But they also present public safety risks that require continued attention, education and collaboration.”
The committee’s scope of work includes analyzing available data on local drownings, reviewing current community water safety education efforts and assessing safety and prevention practices used in Jacksonville and other municipalities.
Members will also evaluate public information strategies and consider proposing legislative action. “We cannot eliminate every risk around water,” Howland said. “But where there are practical, commonsense solutions that can prevent a tragedy and save a life, we have an obligation to find them.”
Howland emphasized that public education will play a key role in the committee’s work. “The goal is not simply to study the problem,” Howland said. “It is to identify practical, effective measures that can save lives.”
The Special Committee on Drowning Prevention is required to submit its final report to the City Council’s Neighborhoods Committee by Dec. 31, 2026.
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