Phoenix (AZ Family) — In May, Arizona's Family reported that drowning prevention advocates warned that the number of child drownings in the Phoenix area was on track to reach or near record levels.
Now halfway through summer, several cities in Maricopa County and the city of Phoenix have already surpassed last year's total child drowning deaths.
Pediatric drowning is classified as a child under the age of five who dies in a water-related accident.
according to Child Safety Zone12 children under the age of five have drowned in 2023, and 13 children under the age of five have drowned this year.
In 2024, there were 0 reported drownings in Pinal County.
While the number of children drowning in Maricopa County has decreased slightly over the past few years, it remains a concern across the state.
In Arizona, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4.
Breakdown of drowning deaths in children under 5 in 2024:
- Phoenix (8)
- Avondale (2)
- Glendale (1)
- Mesa (2)
- Peoria (1)
of Arizona Drowning Prevention Coalition We encourage everyone to follow the ABCs of water safety: adult supervision, barriers and classes.
It is essential that someone supervises children when they are in the pool, and the Coalition stresses the importance of making sure that person's attention is completely on the pool, and not on a mobile phone or reading a book.
Pool fencing is very important in preventing drowning. PhoenixPool gates must be 5 feet high and have a latch. Click/tap here Check your city's pool fence requirements.
It's also important to teach your child how to swim through lessons or water survival education, and if your child can't swim, have them wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket whenever they're around water.
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