12 people have died by drowning this year in Maricopa, Pinal counties
May 13, 2019, 4:15 AM
(Pixabay Photo)
(Pixabay Photo)
PHOENIX — Twelve people have died by drowning so far this year in Maricopa and Pinal counties.
The deaths of nine adults, one teen and two children under age 5 resulted from 35 water-related incidents through May 9, according to Children’s Safety Zone.
With summer approaching, Phoenix Fire Capt. Jake Van Hook said it’s important to keep water safety front of mind.
“The main thing that we try to explain to people is that despite all the barriers … that are there meant to keep children safe around pools, the best protection is obviously them — parents, guardians, caretakers of the children,” Van Hook told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Thursday.
As of yesterday, Phoenix has had 16 drowning incidents so far in 2019. Four of those were fatal drownings. Watch your kids around water. Remember the ABCs of water safety – adult supervision, barriers, and classes. #BeSafe
— Phoenix Fire Dept. (@PHXFire) May 9, 2019
But, Van Hook said, pools aren’t the only drowning threat to children.
“It’s really an understanding that any body of water, whether that be a bucket of water for cleaning a floor … or a toilet, or a bathtub that you’ve drawn for the children, any kind of body water like that … can pose a threat for a child,” he said.
An 11-month-old drowned in a toilet last week in Phoenix while her 16-year-old sister was watching her at home.
Fatal child drownings in Arizona dropped by 16 percent in 2018, but the state still had one of the highest totals nationally with 21 children under age 15 dying in pool and spa drownings that year.
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For adults, the American Red Cross recommends swimming with a buddy, sticking to areas with a lifeguard, refraining from using drugs or alcohol while swimming and wearing a life jacket while boating or fishing.
The Red Cross also recommends that adults ensure all family members know how to swim and teach children to ask permission before going near water.
KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Ali Vetnar contributed to this report.
