Arizona experienced the tragic deaths of 22 children due to drowning in 2020, according to the Arizona Child Fatality Review Program. Nearly all of them were children ages 1 to 4.
Every one of those drowning deaths was preventable.
To promote water safety, ADHS joins organizations around the country urging adults to help reduce drownings by following these steps:
Supervise: Focused adult supervision is essential when young kids are in water. Even a few seconds of inattention can lead to tragedy. Always swim in a lifeguarded area.
Fence: Make sure there is four-sided isolation fencing around a pool, with a self-closing/self-latching gate.
Teach: Make sure kids are able to swim by age 8, if not sooner.
Prepare: Know what to do in a water emergency – including how to help someone in trouble in the water safely, call for emergency help and do CPR.
Our Bureau of Women’s and Children’s Health has more on these and other ways to prevent drownings, including a list of places offering swim lessons. And please keep in mind that water safety includes more than pools and hot tubs. Be sure to practice water safety in the home, especially in the bathtub, and while boating.
Layers of protection are essential to help prevent drowning. Plan ahead for aquatic activities.
I wish everyone a joyful, safe swimming season.
