Holidays see spike in drownings; keep vigilance up

DPCA: Holidays see spike in drownings; keep vigilance up

CONTACT:

Jay Arthur, DPCA Vice President 

Mobile 602-518-6008

What:                  Water Safety advocates join to encourage vigilance during holiday celebrations.

When:                  10 am, July 3

Where:                Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort, 11111 N. 7^th St, Phoenix

Why:              While overall numbers are down from the previous two years, the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona warns that holidays often bring a rise in drowning numbers. The spikes can be contributed to distractions, alcohol consumptions and the lack of life jacket use.

Comparison:      Year-to-date numbers, aaccording to DPCA partner, Children’s Safety Zone:

Total Water Related Incidents to June 30, 2019    

Total Incidents…56 (27 Ped / 4 Children / 1 Teens / 24 Adult)
Fatalities:  Peds…3 Children…0 Teens…1 Adults…13
Total Fatalities…17

Total Water Related Incidents to June 30, 2018      

Total Incidents……….79 (48 Peds / 5 Children / 3 Teen / 24 Adults)

Fatalities:  Peds …8     Children…0      Teen….0      Adult…. 19

Total Fatalities….26

Total Water Related Incidents to June 30, 2017                              

Total Incidents……….68 (28 Peds / 5 Children / 1 Teen / 34 Adults)

Fatalities:  Peds …6     Children…1      Teen….0      Adult…. 21

Total Fatalities….28

Visuals:          Elisa and Justin Hart will heartfully share the loss of their son to drowning.

Experts from the AZ Game and Fish Dept and Water Safety Advocate Shannon Liebrock will speak on Life Jacket use, open water safety and Lake/River “Free” Lifejacket kiosks.

The designated child watcher (DCW) demonstrated with children and adults in resort pool. (No. 1 way to prevent drowning in a pool setting).

CPR Expert Instructor will discuss and show the why and how of Rescue Breathing for drowning victims. (chest compression only won’t do the trick).

Locking and securing the home & pool gates to prevent access to a pool will be demonstrated.

All advocates will be available after the event for questions, follow-up and further demos.