With temperatures heating up and more people ready to dip their toes in the water, the Mesa Fire and Medical Department has provided my office with information to share with the community.
Drowning Prevention Tips
- Supervise children at all times, even when you don’t expect them to be around the water.
- Put non-proficient swimmers in life vests when you have a party or family gathering and a pool or spa is nearby.
- When around water, always designate a water watcher. Don’t assume someone else is watching the children. Use water tags as reminders.
- When small children are in the water, always keep them within arms reach.
- Use properly working fences, locks, alarms and other barriers to allow more time in case you lose track of your child.
- Always check water areas first if you lose track of your child.
- Floaties are toys. Only use Coast Guard-approved flotation devices (life vests).
- Learn CPR—Mesa Fire has free lifesaver classes each month. Sign up at mesaaz.gov/fire.
- All family members should learn to swim.
- Non swimmers should not be the supervisors/water watchers.
- No one should swim alone at any age. In Arizona, we actually have more adults drown than children.
- If you have a canal in your area:
- Children should not be unsupervised when outside.
- Talk to children about the dangers and to not play by the edge.
- Never swim in a canal. They have strong undercurrents that can pull you under.
Have fun out there, but please, always remember to be safe around water.
As always, if I can be of service to you, or you wish to speak with me, I can be reached via email at district5@mesaaz.gov, or by phone at (480) 644-3771.