Seminole County firefighter, wife speak out about child drowning death awareness

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A local firefighter and his wife are working to help prevent drowning deaths for young children.

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The parents started raising awareness after the tragic death of their 2-year-old son seven years ago.

His death inspired Chris Martin to join the Seminole County Fire Department, while Christina Martin started the Gunner Martin Foundation in his name.

Read: 2-year-old boy drowns after falling into pool at home day care in Seminole County

The mother and father spoke at the Seminole County Central Branch Library in Casselberry Thursday.

They have pushed for more safety awareness in homes since their son drowned in their pool in 2016.

“We have gone over numerous times in our head where, how, what happened,” Christina Martin said. “How did we not know about the danger of the pool behind us? And so, we believe that awareness is of utmost importance.”

Read: Bond denied for Volusia County mom charged in connection with son’s drowning

County officials handed out door alarms at the library.

Parents can use the alarms to monitor when a child is about to go outside alone.

Read: Florida challenges people to harvest as many lionfish as they can this summer

The Martins are also featured in a new public service announcement where they share their story.

“The biggest misconception is people thinking it cannot happen to them,” Christina Martin said. “They have the idea and understanding, ‘I want to make sure that this doesn’t happen to me (and) what are the necessary things I have to put in place so that it doesn’t.’”

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