Waterfront Living: Enjoy the Southwest Florida Lifestyle, Safely
Waterfront living is one of the best ways to enjoy the Southwest Florida lifestyle. Our region is known for its friendly pace, Gulf Coast breezes, warm temperatures, and – of course – water everywhere. Whether you live along a canal, bay, or riverfront, being on the water offers a daily reminder of why so many people choose to call Southwest Florida home.
Waterfront homes often include boat docks and seawalls, making it easy to launch and receive boats, store and maintain your vessel, and welcome friends and family aboard for a day on the water. Seawalls serve as a barrier between your property and open water, helping reduce erosion and protecting your shoreline from waves and storms. For many homeowners, the dock and seawall become the perfect place to fish, relax, and enjoy an afternoon under the dockside tiki.
Swimming Is Hazardous Around Docks and Seawalls
As inviting as the water may be, docks and seawalls are not always safe places for swimming. Many do not have ladders for easy entry and exit. They’re often covered in sharp barnacles and oysters, which can cut skin and create open wounds—an easy entry point for bacteria.
There are also dangers from boats docking or shifting with waves. A swimmer can be caught between a boat and a piling or seawall, creating a serious and potentially life-threatening situation. Add in propellers, neighborhood boat traffic, and reduced visibility after dark, and it’s clear why caution is essential around waterfront structures. Even a simple slip and fall into the water can quickly turn a relaxing moment into an emergency.
Drowning Prevention for Children: A Serious Backyard Risk
Drowning is a tremendous risk for young children, and it happens fast. In Florida alone, 112 children drowned in 2025, and drowning remains the No. 1 cause of accidental death for children ages 1 to 4. It’s also silent, meaning there may be no splash or cry for help. One moment of lapsed supervision can lead to tragedy.
That’s why adding a barrier between children and water is such a life-saving decision.
Pets Love Waterfront Living Too
If you’ve ever let your dog outside only to find them happily soaked in brackish “heaven,” you’re not alone. A mesh safety fence helps you control access: open it when it’s swim time, close it when it’s time to stay clean and dry.
And while many assume dogs are natural swimmers, pets drown every year in pools and canals. Some breeds – like French Bulldogs and Pugs – can barely swim at all. Smaller dogs may not be able to get out, and even larger dogs can’t use ladders.
Make Your Dock and Seawall Safer with a Mesh Safety Fence
A mesh safety fence is a strong, affordable way to add a life-saving layer of protection along your dock or seawall. It helps reduce the risk of accidental drowning, prevents falls into the water, and can even improve security by deterring unwanted access from the waterfront. Self-closing, self-latching gates with lock and key add even more protection.
Reach out to Jessica today to enjoy waterfront living safely by installing a mesh safety fence. Your family, guests, and pets deserve the freedom of the Southwest Florida lifestyle, without the worry!