Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona

  How to keep your children safe by the pool this summer Story by Sara Sherwood An estimated 85 Britons drown each year on holiday, and 13 per cent of UK travellers have experienced a near miss in the water, with young children and men most likely to fall victim, according to a charity’s analysis of accident statistics.  The most common water-related accidents on holiday involve toddlers getting into trouble in swimming pools, and older men encountering problems in the ocean, including on snorkelling trips and also in rip currents, according to analysis by the  Safer Tourism Foundation  (STF), a charity dedicated to the prevention of holiday accidents.  “In general we have seen an uptake in villa holidays since Covid,” explains Katherine Atkinson, chief executive of the  Safer Tourism Foundation . “In the case of UK travellers, these villas are usually rented by people who don’t have a pool at home, and who therefore may be less used to taking sensible safe...

  Story by Dédé Wilson - Original Article  ©Provided by FODMAP Everyday® Water activities like swimming, boating, and playing at the beach are fun ways for children to stay active and beat the summer heat. However, it’s crucial to prioritize water safety to prevent drowning incidents, which are a leading cause of accidental death among children. By following essential water safety guidelines and teaching your kids the necessary skills, you can ensure they have a safe and enjoyable time around water. Constant Adult Supervision Constant adult supervision  is the most critical factor in preventing drowning accidents. Never leave children unattended near any body of water, even for a brief moment. Designate a “water watcher” whose sole responsibility is to keep a watchful eye on the children in the water. Rotate this duty among adults every 15-20 minutes to maintain focus and avoid distractions. Learn to Swim Enroll your children in  age-appropriate swimming lessons ...

  Story by Sean Cate - Original Article Posted Here Limit Trust ©Provided by Secret Life of Mom Exercise caution when trusting others with your children’s supervision in and around the water. Direct   parental supervision   should be prioritized over relying on anyone else, including lifeguards. 1   Nobody is going to care more about your child than you. Designate Breaks ©Provided by Secret Life of Mom Establish designated break times during water activities to make sure your children don't get tired in the water. This includes your supervision responsibilities so you stay fresh and alert. Have Safety Briefings ©Provided by Secret Life of Mom Initiate regular briefings before any activities to ensure water safety is understood by everyone. Establish rules and expectations, and emphasize the importance of respecting the water’s potential dangers. Engaging with your children in these discussions will promote awareness and responsibility, but also show that you respect ...

As swim season approaches and pools begin to open, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC)   Pool Safely   campaign wants to remind our collaborators of the importance of compliant drain covers and how they can help prevent drownings.   Linked  here  is material you can use that may be helpful for checking the compliance of the public pool drains in your local communities. In addition to this letter, you can also find more information on what a compliant drain looks like  here .   Please share this information with your colleagues and with local residents in your area.   Thank you for your continued collaboration with  Pool Safely  and your dedication to our common goal of preventing childhood drownings.   Thank you, The  Pool Safely  Team

  CONTACT: Jay Arthur, DPCA President, Mobile (602) 518-6008 ** Demos and interviews with advocates available as early as 7 am.     DPCA LEADS LARGEST WATER SAFETY EVENT OF THE YEAR FREE FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENT AT TAPATIO CLIFFS PRESENTING SPONSOR   On June 1, the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona, SRP, and water safety advocates will come together for a public family-friendly event designed to educate the community about drowning prevention.   “Tapping into Water Safety”  is celebrating its 25 th  year at the Tapatio Cliffs Resort. This free event is held annually to bring the community together for a one-stop-shop for education and information.   “While this location is amazing and fun for families to enjoy, we hope that the takeaway is that we need to be vigilant around all bodies of water,” says DPCA President Jay Arthur. “The relentless number of drownings already this year underscores that importance. We can’t let up our vigilance and w...

 

  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...