Josh the Otter
The Josh the Otter Water Safety & Awareness Project teaches young children about the importance of water safety through the use of Josh the Baby Otter.
Joshua's Story
Parents Blake and Kathy Collingsworth honor the memory of their two-year-old son Joshua, who died on June 4, 2008 after falling into the family pool three days earlier.
They believed they had every safety precaution in place, but the reality is that a drowning can occur in mere moments. After losing Joshua, they felt compelled to help reduce the dramatic numbers of deaths by drowning that occur in our country and around the world.
The Joshua Collingsworth Memorial Foundation was created in July of 2008 to serve as a catalyst to strengthen
water safety awareness and create an early childhood educational program.
*from Joshtheotter.org
Take Part In the Project
Take part in a program to promote the importance of early childhood water safety training to prevent drowning. A trained volunteer will come out to your school to read Josh the Baby Otter and provide resources to go home with children, including their own copy of the book.
A visit by our Josh the Otter mascot can also be scheduled!
Water Resources
This list contains learn-to-swim providers in the local area. This list does not constitute an endorsement by The Early Learning Coalition of Flagler & Volusia. The list is merely an informational resource for parents/legal guardians.
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Water Safety Resource Packet
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Infant Swimming Resources
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Vacation Water Safety Checklist
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Josh the Otter Water Safety Pledge, Activity Page Answers, & More!
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Facts about Kids and the Danger of Drowning
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Water Safety Program