Child drownings are the leading cause of preventable death for Arizona children.
Most child drownings, fatal and non-fatal, happen between the ages of 2 and 5, and occur in a backyard pool.
Drownings are LIGHTNING FAST and SILENT.
A sober and alert adult must always be with children around water.
The adult must watch swimmers with their eyes and not be doing anything else! They shouldn’t be reading, talking on the phone, or doing chores like yard work or washing the car.
Distraction can be deadly.
A barrier is something that keeps you away from danger. A pool barrier means a fence around a pool with a self-closing self-latching lockable gate. Other barriers include pool cover nets and self-closing, lockable doors leading to the pool area.
Anyone who does not know how to swim must wear a Coast Guard approved lifejacket. Floaties or puddle jumpers are toys and do not count as a life jacket. Everyone should learn how to swim! Older kids and adults should take CPR classes so they know what to do in case of an emergency.
Do not allow children to play in or around the pool area.
Mount life saving devices near the pool.
Keep tables, chairs and ladders away from pool fences.
Barriers are required between doggie doors and the pool area.
Have a phone available near the pool area.
ADULTS should never swim alone! Buddy Up
Want to learn more about child drownings, or get involved in the effort to keep children safe in your community?
Contact the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Central Arizona today.