August is Drowning Impact Awareness Month (DIAM) — a time to raise awareness and take action to prevent drowning. Drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4 years old in Arizona. In 2022, 30 children died from drowning in Arizona. Children under 5 years of age are at the greatest risk. In 2022, 83% of drowning deaths occurred in children less than five years old. The majority of drowning deaths in Arizona occur in pools, hot tubs, and spas.
Why August??
With back-to-school distractions, family gatherings, and lingering summer heat, August is a high-risk month for child drownings. In Arizona, pools, canals, and even bathtubs can pose serious risks if precautions aren't taken.
1. A – Adult Supervision
- Always assign a designated water watcher when children are near water.
- Avoid distractions like phones or conversations while supervising.
2. B – Barriers
- Install four-sided isolation fencing around pools with self-closing, self-latching gates.
- Use door alarms and pool covers as additional layers of protection.
3. C – Classes
- Enroll children in age-appropriate swim lessons.
- Adults should learn CPR and refresh skills annually.
4. Life Jackets Save Lives
- Use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vests for boating or when swimming in lakes or rivers.
- Never rely on floaties or inflatable toys as safety devices.
5. Know the Signs of Drowning
Drowning is often silent. Look for signs like head low in the water, gasping, or arms flailing. If unable to safely pull them out of water there is a saying to follow: Reach or Throw, Don’t Go. Look for something that floats that you can throw to the victim, that they can grab. Items like life jackets, a boat seat cushion or even a long pole that the person can grab and be pulled to safety will work. All drowning victims should be evaluated in an Emergency Room.
Anyone can drown, even the strongest swimmers can drown. If you are drowning, remember to Flip, Float and Follow. This is a method promoted by the Great Lakes Surf and Rescue Project. Flip on your back, float with your head above water and follow whatever path will safely get you to the shore.
Don’t forget our 4-legged companions:
It is a misunderstanding that all dogs can swim. Some breeds like labrador retrievers seem to naturally take to the water, however, not all labradors cannot swim. Do not under or overestimate your four-legged pal. Dogs want to please so if you coax them to jump into the water, they most likely will. They may also sink. Practice water safety with your dogs. If you have a pool, make sure they know where the steps are. If they are boating with you or swimming in lakes, put a life jacket on them. And remember, they need swimming breaks just like humans.
To Summarize: When in or around a body of water, accidental drowning is always a concern and preventable in most cases. Consider taking a CPR class. Know your surroundings, the water conditions, the people around you and even the weather. Be watchful, build memories with your family and friends, have fun, relax, enjoy the water, and know that you have the knowledge of how to prevent drowning, recognize drowning and even how to save yourself from drowning.
Spread the Word: Join the movement by sharing this newsletter, displaying purple ribbons, and talking to your neighbors about water safety. Every child drowning is preventable.
For more information, visit the Arizona Department of Health Services https://www.azdhs.gov
