In an effort to prevent child drowning incidents, the United Phoenix Fire Fighters Association began the Adopt-a-Pool-Fence program by providing families with one solution to protect their children - a donated pool fence. If your home does not currently have a pool fence, you may be eligible to receive a donated pool fence through the Adopt-a-Pool-Fence Program. Families with young children in need of financial assistance are encouraged to apply. Click here full details.

Our drowning prevention program is part of our Injury Prevention School Program. We go into classrooms in the city of Avondale grades K – 6^th.  The younger grades get the basic never swim alone lesson. We use the SRP water safety video. For the older children they are often left watching the younger children around the water so they get a lesson on how quickly a child can drown and how important it is to watch them, along with statistics. We go into the preschool and day care centers in the summer; they get the drowning prevention with the SRP water safety video and water safety coloring books.

Valorie Russell

Avondale Fire – Rescue

As part of an ongoing effort to reduce the number of child drownings, the Peoria Fire Dept. will be visiting Kindergarten classes in Peoria and will visit the Tiny Tots program this summer at the Peoria Public Library branches to remind children of the importance of water safety. 

Firefighters will read the book, Stewie the Duck Learns to Swim, and teach kids the three water safety rules, which include: 
1. Don't jump in 'till you learn to swim. 
2. Cover your chest with a safe life vest.
3. A grown-up must watch you in the pool.

In addition to the goal of reaching all Kindergarteners in Peoria, the fire department is striving to reach all preschool age children.  If you know of a Peoria preschool class that has not yet had the benefit of this program, please contact the Fire Department (623-773-7279) to schedule a visit.

City website is www.peoriaaz.gov.   Contact Tim Eiden with any questions.   Phone 623-773-7919

Family members and friends of the Letter family began Water Watchers to honor Weston’s memory and teach the community that tragedy knows no boundaries.

Water Watchers at Phoenix Children’s Hospital exists to increase community education and awareness of the issue of child drownings, and to help the community learn more about drownings through research.  How do we do this?

• Through direct children’s educational efforts, like Water Safety Day.  At the 2006 event, more than 1200 children will attend Water Safety Day and receive a one-of-a-kind lesson in drowning prevention.

• Through community educational efforts, like Drowning Impact Awareness Month.  Through the support of local organizations, such as business and church groups, we are able to get critical water safety information out to thousands of consumers.
• Through media efforts, such as our role as consultants to local media and as a source of information for media reports.
• Through support of other drowning prevention groups, to ensure that their programs receive the information and assistance they need, and to help provide a consistent message to the public.

Water Watchers at Phoenix Children’s Hospital is part of the Injury Prevention Center, an area dedicated to decreasing childhood injuries and deaths through education, program development, advocacy, and research.  For information about Phoenix Children’s, visit the hospital's website. 

For more information about Water Watchers at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, call 602-546-1712, or key “ Water Watchers” into the hospital website search engine, or see http://www.phoenixchildrens.com/about/community-outreach-education/Water-Watchers-Curriculum.pdf

Phoenix Children's Hospital Water Safety page: http://www.phoenixchildrens.com/about/community-outreach-education/water-safety.html

Scottsdale Fire Department offers fun injury prevention information to children and parents.  Specifically addressing fire, road and water safety, Fire Pals provide in-classroom presentations that are interactive and memorable.  Presentations for groups or organizations are also offered.  If you would learn more about these safety programs, visit the Child Fire and Life Safety page at www.scottsdalefd.com.

Scottsdale Fire also offers a program to help residents identify water hazards in and around their home.  The Water Safety Survey reviews hazards that may be present at the home and provides resources to fix any issues that may be noted.  To schedule an appointment, click here.

The Safety Connection’s objective is to prevent hazardous water incidents by empowering children and adults with water safety literature and collateral.  Our most effective distribution outlets are our community partners whom distribute our materials at their events, and also invite us to participate in themed events throughout the year.  All materials are provided free of charge to anyone who request them. 

Materials can be requested by calling 602-236-5646, or by visiting our website; www.srpnet.com/safety/water.aspx 

The Tempe Fire Department has a program called Operation Water Watch.  The program is designed for all age groups and is an awareness program to better educate the community about the hazards of various types of bodies of water.  Our program is designed for all age groups, we have programs for preschooler, elementary aged children, and adults. 

Our program for preschools and elementary aged children topics include: Never Swim Alone, Pool and Water Safety Rules, and calling 9-1-1.  The adult program topics that are covered include; Watch Your Children Around Water, common causes of drowning/near drownings, prevention measures, what to do in case of an accident and reporting an emergency.  Participating in a CPR class is also stressed in our presentations.  Information on who to contact and where CPR classes are held is made available. 

Information on our educational programs can be found at our website:  http://www.tempe.gov/fire

The contact person is Beverly Burns, (480) 858-7240.

Drowning prevention efforts are part of the Drexel Heights Fire District’s life safety education programs.  Our goal is to promote water safety and educate about drowning prevention through community partnerships to reach families and heighten our residents’ awareness levels. Some of the projects we’re involved with include:

• Augusts’ statewide “Drowning Impact Awareness Month” and purple ribbon campaign.
• Water safety curriculum and reward events for schools.
• Public relations and media campaigns.
• “Water Walks” where we go door-to-door sharing information.
• “Summer Splash” event at Manzanita Pool.
  

For more information about our programs contact our Public Education/Information Manager or check us out on the web www.drexelfire.net

Safe Kids Tucson is a network of organizations whose mission is to prevent accidental childhood injury, a leading killer of children 14 and under. Spearheaded by Tucson Medical Center, the local chapter is part of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of more than 450 coalitions in 16 countries bringing together health and safety experts, educators, corporations, foundations, governments and volunteers to educate and protect families.

Safe Kids Tucson coalition works to prevent all water related incidents, including those in pools, hot-tubs or spas, open water and homes.  Whether fatal or non fatal, all water incidents are preventable.

Water Safety is for You!
Each April, Safe Kids Tucson partners with eight area schools to teach an integrative first grade curriculum that reinforces the ABCs of Water Safety:

• A = Adult Supervision
• B = Barriers around pools, spas and hot tubs
• C = Classes; swim lessons and life saving CPR classes
  

Through funding secured by donations and grants, over 800 children participate in this exciting life saving program.  Upon completion of the classroom teaching, all the schools come together for the Water Safety is for YOU! event at the City of Tucson’s Edith Ball Aquatic Center.  The children enjoy a day of song, interactive activities and reward to celebrate their commitment to water safety.

In the spring of 2010, Safe Kids Tucson piloted a third grade curriculum that further reinforces the messaging learned in first grade. By participating in Water Safety is for YOU! each school has pledged their dedication to keep their students water safe. 

August—Drowning Impact Awareness Month
Arizona ranks second in the nation for child drowning and summer months bring increased incident.  It is the second most common cause of injury in our state and is a tragedy that knows no bounds while completely preventable. 

Throughout Arizona, August is recognized as Drowning Impact Awareness Month.  Purple ribbons are worn as a reminder of those lost in water incidents.  To receive purple ribbons, Water Watcher Safety Cards, signs and general information on the ABCs of Water Safety, email safekidstucson@tmcaz.com.