Drowning can happen to any family. It’s quick, and it’s silent. Drowning is the single-leading cause of death among children aged 1-4, and a top cause of death among teens.

The Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance was formed in the fall of 2023 to raise awareness around the importance of water safety, promote water safety education and reduce the number drownings in the Yuma community.

The Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance aims to create a safer environment for all, ensuring that the community can enjoy the benefits of water without the dangers that come with it.

The alliance consists of community leaders, healthcare professionals, water safety experts, public safety representatives and concerned citizens who are dedicated to educating the public about the importance of drowning prevention, water safety, and emergency preparedness in and around bodies of water.

Current members/agencies include:

• City of Yuma – City Council & Administration, Parks & Recreation
• City of Yuma Fire Department
• City of Yuma Police Department
• Yuma County – Yuma County Public Health Services District
• Yuma Regional Medical Center
• The Liquid Foundation

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children. While children are at higher risk, anyone can drown.

• Drowning is the single leading cause of death for children ages 1-4 and the second leading cause of injury related death for children up to age 14. 
• 44 children died from drowning In Arizona in 2021.
• We lose 10 school buses worth of children to unintentional drownings per year, with the average school bus seating 80 students, resulting in an average of 854 children per year. 
• Drowning is fast and silent. It can happen in as little as 20-60 seconds. 
• 88% of child drownings occur with at least 1 adult present. 
  

Sources 

• National Drowning Prevention Association -  Press & Media Toolkit-NDPA
• AZDHS Child Fatality Review Program - 29th Annual Report
• Center for Disease Control

Ensure every member of your family learns to swim so they at least achieve skills of water competency: able to enter the water, get a breath, stay afloat, change position, swim a distance then get out of the water safely.

Employ layers of protection including barriers to prevent access to water, life jackets, and close supervision of children to prevent drowning.

Know what to do in a water emergency – including how to help someone in trouble in the water safely, call for emergency help and CPR.

Press & Media Toolkit-NDPA

Water Safety | American Red Cross

Drowning is the single leading cause of death for children 1-4, and sadly, 70% of drownings among young children happen during non-swim times. Drowning happens quickly and quietly, in as little as 2 inches of water within 30 seconds.

There is no single way to prevent drowning, but you can arm yourself with the necessary prevention methods by learning the 5 Layers of Protection. Each layer should be used together when in or around water to help reduce the risk of drowning.

Barriers & Alarms

Since you can’t always keep your eyes on the water, it’s essential to use four-sided fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates, pool safety covers, and alarm systems to help prevent children and unauthorized adults from accessing water unsupervised.

Supervision

Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings with close, constant, and capable adult supervision from a designated water watcher or lifeguard anytime children are in or around water. 

Water Competency (Swim Skills)

Every child and adult should be equipped with the skills to protect themselves in water by learning and enhancing their basic water safety skills to reduce the risk of drowning and aquatic-related injuries.

The American Association of Pediatricians (AAP) recommends starting swim lessons as early as age 1, you should always speak with your pediatrician before considering any water safety or swimming lessons for children.

Life Jackets

When used appropriately, life jackets protect you when you are not expecting to be in the water, especially around open water. U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) tested and approved life jackets should be worn by everyone in or around open water, especially when boating.

Emergency Preparation

Knowing how to prepare for an emergency with CPR training with rescue breaths, and basic water rescue skills can make the difference between life and death. If you ever encounter a victim who is not breathing, ALWAYS call 911 before trying to perform CPR with rescue breaths.

Proper training and certification for CPR need to be refreshed about every 1-2 years, especially if there are recent changes in recommendations.

 Learn the 5 Layers of Protection (ndpa.org)