About Us

In 1989, representatives from: Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), fire departments, and hospital personnel met and formed what is now known as the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona (DPCA).

Today, DPCA is comprised of parents, health and safety professionals, business leaders, and concerned citizens. The group exists to provide a forum for drowning prevention efforts through the promotion of education, legislative action, awareness, and enhanced product safety.

As a community-based organization, DPCA attracts members from many different areas. We are able to bring together individuals from different cities, industries, and backgrounds to work toward a common cause that significantly benefits the entire community.

The Coalition promotes the following three core principles of drowning prevention: ABC's of Water Safety 

The Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona strives to meet the following objectives through Advocacy, Education, Support & Outreach:

Reduce Water Related Incidents 

Expand the Drowning Surveillance System

Support and Connect Families Impacted by Drowning

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS

Meghan Chute


Mesa Fire & Medical Department2019/2020

Melissa Sutton, Past President

National Drowning Prevention Alliance

2020/2021

Jay Arthur, Vice President

Phoenix Fire Department (Retired)

2019/2020

Tracey Fejt, Secretary

Banner Medical/Cardon Children's Medical Center

2020/2021

Tracy Herbst, Treasurer

Arcadia Infant Swim

2019/2020 

Lori Stauffer, Immediate Past President

Scottsdale Fire Department2020/2021

BOARD MEMBERS

Jessica Chamberlain

City of Chandler2022/2023

Angela Clark

Lizard Pools2019/2020

Tina Gerola

Superstition Fire and Medical District2020/2021

Karen Hewitt

Child CPR Awareness

Jodi Layton

Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation 

Traci Tenkely

City of Chandler2019/2020

ADVISORY COUNCIL 

Stacy Beadle

Michael Phelps Foundation

Drake Belt

University of Arizona Campus Recreation

Kevin Goodrich

Marana Parks & Recreation 

Ed Huntsman

Retired U.S. Coast Guard, BoatCapted.com2020/2021 

Josh Hoffman

Arizona Game and Fish

Kim Jackson

Arizona Game and Fish

Megan Johnson

City of Goodyear Aquatics

Michele Long

Mesa Fire Medical & Health2020/2021

Christian Peck

City of Peoria

Ed Swift

Swift Office Solutions & Children's Safety Zone

Alison Tummond

Scottsdale Aquatic Safety

Melissa Zukowski

Banner Health & Diamond Children's Hospital

Valley of the Sun  - Garrett Brolsma

YMCA2019/2020

Advisory Council Requirements

Attend at least one Board Meeting a year (either by phone or in person) AND at least one General Meeting a year. Participation on at least one committee and in email discussion, when relevant.  Staffing a DPCA booth for at least 2 special events in a year. Assistance in special projects and fundraising, as needed. 
The Board usually meets the second Thursday of each month from 11 am- 1 pm.  Our General Meetings are scheduled after the Board meetings every 2-3 months. All Board and Advisory Council members must have a current membership to the DPCA.  

SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS

The DPCA relies on subject matter experts to provide critical information and guide decisions. These individuals make an impact with their knowledge and information provided to the coalition. 

Cody Thomson

Canal Safety Advocate

Druann Letter

Water Safety Is for You Curriculum Developer & Mom of Weston

Dr. Tim Flood

AZDHS Medical Director

Ed Huntsman

Boating Related Casualties

Shannon Liebrock

The Ryan Thomas Foundation

Shelly Jamison

Phoenix Fire Department

LIFETIME MEMBERS

Founding Member & Founding President, Dad of Rex

Founding Member & Phoenix Fire Department (Retired)