Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona

  Lauren Kobley /Cronkite News  March 15, 2024 Original Article   PHOENIX – Brandi Stoll is an Arizona native who grew up swimming in pools and was familiar with pool safety. When she became a mother, she knew the risks and how to keep her children safe around the pool, but her world changed in July 2021 when she found her almost-2-year-old daughter face down in her family’s pool. Drowning is a leading cause of death for children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2023, there were 133 water-related incidents reported in Maricopa and Pinal counties, 50 of which involved children 5 and under, according to  data from Children’s Safety Zone , which tracks Arizona data. Of those 50 incidents, 12 resulted in fatalities. “Many times when it comes to a drowning call, especially with children, it’s due to a lack of barriers,” said Meghan Chute, a fire and life safety education specialist at Mesa Fire Department. “We think it’s important to have m...

  Child Crisis Arizona in partnership with SRP and the 493 Firefighter Foundation, formerly the United Phoenix Firefighters Charities, is addressing water safety in our community. Together with collaborative efforts, we introduced the Pool Fence Safety Program designed to provide those in need of a pool fence with the opportunity to apply for a free one.   The 2024 Pool Fence Program application is now open. The deadline to apply is March 24, 2024. See attached flyer for requirements and more information on how to apply.

  The family of Sean Bickings alleges the city of Tempe should have done more to save Mr. Bickings when he ultimately drowned in May 2022 at Tempe Town Lake meanwhile, they say, promised safety improvements have yet to be implemented. (File Photos/ DigitalFreePress ) Family of Sean Bickings seeks $3M in wrongful death claim against Tempe Sean Bickings drowned in Tempe Town Lake in May 2022 By Terrance Thornton  |  Digital Free Press T he mother of  Sean Bickings  is seeking $3 million in damages from the city of Tempe as legal representation alleges life-saving actions have not yet been taken to prevent future drowning deaths at Tempe Town Lake. “If you watch the body camera video these officers are just watching Sean Bickings drown,” said  Benjamin Taylor  of Phoenix-based Taylor & Gomez, who is representing the mother of Mr. Bickings, Turee Toro.  “Sean Bickings was begging, saying, ‘help me, help me I am drowning!’ The officer was very disr...