Councilwoman Peggy Neely's
Tatum Sun Times Column

April 2006

Stressing Safety by the Water

Summer is right around the corner and many Phoenix residents are looking forward to spending more time in and around pools. But, sadly, as we see too many times each year, we all need to remember that without proper precautions, swimming can lead to tragedy.

As of early March, there already had been two drownings this year in Phoenix, including one child. Altogether, the Fire Department has responded to a dozen drownings or near-drownings in 2006 – and this is during our cooler months. Last year, 15 people drowned in Phoenix, including 10 children.

We all know that just one drowning is too many.

And the numbers usually increase as summer approaches, so it's critical to remember the steps you can take to keep your children safe. You can find these tips by visiting the Fire Department's Web site at phoenix.gov/fire.

Here are some of the basics – our firefighters call them the ABCs of water safety.

Adult supervision - Knowing where your children are at all times is the best way to prevent accidents. All it takes is a couple of seconds for something bad to happen in the water.

Barriers - The need for barriers around the pool is crucial in Arizona. Phoenix requires protective barriers for all newly constructed pools and any existing pools at homes sold or leased to families with children 6 years old or younger. Remember to keep those gates closed and locked, even if you're not in the backyard.

If you own a pool and cannot afford to install a fence, you may qualify for the “Adopt-a-Fence” program. Adopt-a-Fence is funded through private donations and offered through the United Phoenix Fire Fighters Association. More information about this program is available at www.saverkids.org or by calling 602-277-1500.

Classes - Swimming lessons also are a must. The city of Phoenix offers lessons from qualified instructors through our Aquatics program. Registration for summer swim classes begins April 29. This year, you can register on-line for swim classes by visiting phoenix.gov/parks and then clicking on "Classes and Programs." For general information, call 602-534-SWIM (7946). Many other organizations also offer swimming lessons. Training for all adults in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is another must, because learning CPR could save your child’s life. Check phoenix.gov/fire for more information.

One more thing to keep in mind is that all water can be dangerous for small children, not just backyard swimming pools. Never leave your little ones unattended in bath tubs or blow-up kiddy pools. Keep buckets or anything else that can hold water turned upside down in the yard, so they can't get filled up with water.

I hope everyone in the community has a fun and safe season as the weather turns warmer. The pool can be a great relief from the desert heat, but without the necessary precautions it can turn deadly. Proper supervision, pool fences, swim lessons and CPR all contribute to ensure the safety of our children.

Phoenix City Councilwoman Peggy Neely represents District 2, which includes most of northeast Phoenix. She can be reached at 602-262-7445 or through e-mail at council.district.2@phoenix.gov.