arizona news
Has been updated: April 22, 2023 at 10:16 AM
(picbay photo)
PHOENIX — Fencing around your pool is an effective tool to save lives.
Residents of Maricopa County can apply for a new pool fence free of charge if they meet certain eligibility criteria.
This offer is part of the 2023 Pool Fence Safety Program, an effort to reduce child drowning initiated by Child Crisis Arizona, Salt River Project (SRP) and United Phoenix Firefighter Charities (UPFC).
“The Pool Fence Safety Program is a great opportunity to raise awareness and keep kids safe on the water,” said Caitlin Sagen, Director of Special Projects and Family Resources for Child Crisis Arizona, in a press release.
“This program will fund families with young children who cannot afford to purchase a pool barrier financially.”
application is available online in English and Spanish. The application deadline is May 26th.
Funds are paid to pool vendors, not individuals.
According to the press release, the requirements are:
• There must be children under the age of 6 at home.
• Home must be owned, not rented
• Family members must reside in Maricopa County
• Family members must be income eligible. Participation in one of the following assistance programs will be used to verify income eligibility: Food Stamps, Medicaid, WIC, Energy Assistance, or Unemployment.
• If the family is not enrolled in any of the assistance programs, household income will be considered and the 2022 tax return will be used to verify income eligibility.
UPFC’s David Ramirez said: “Pool barriers continue to be a key factor in preventing child drowning.
“Nothing is more proactive in preventing a tragedy than building fences around swimming pools. Child drowning is a real community problem. I expect.”
