When summer is in full swing, Arizonans enjoy spending their days out on the lake or swimming in their backyards to cool down from the grueling heat. Currently, 1 in 3 Arizona homes has a swimming pool, which not only provides family fun, but also brings relief from the desert sun. However, with our exploding population, practicing water safety is more essential than ever to ensure our kids live long, healthy lives.  

Today, drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death in the U.S among children ages 1 to 4. In Arizona, they are drowning at almost double the national average. Moreover, for every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal injuries. These injuries include severe brain damage and long-term disabilities. 

Phoenix Children’s and community partners team up for water safety 

With the daunting statistics facing our community, Phoenix Children’s has partnered with SRP and Aqua-Tots Swim Schools to prevent child drownings. Thanks to our partners' support, our Water Safety Program provides critical learning, resources and education around water safety to parents and families.

Additionally, thanks to Valley Toyota Dealers, Phoenix Children’s offers free water safety kits to help caregivers reduce drowning risks. The kits include tips on how to improve pool supervision, a bag, a towel and more.  

And in 2020, our injury prevention team pioneered the Pediatric Drowning Prevention Program to equip pediatricians in the Valley with the tools and training they need to educate families about water safety during regularly scheduled well-child visits for at-risk children. In 2022, grant funding from SRP helped us extend the program to pediatrician practices statewide.

To date, the Pediatric Drowning Prevention Program has helped Arizona pediatricians:

  • Address water safety during more than 3,200 well visits.
  • Distribute 4,620 handouts to help families keep their little ones safe around water.

In addition, Phoenix Children's has shared the program's curriculum at national health care conferences, bringing water safety education and resources to pediatricians nationwide.

Learn more now about Phoenix Children’s Water Safety Program and the ways our community is joining together to help reduce the number of child drownings in Arizona. 

Support Water Safety in Arizona

Phoenix Children's drowning prevention program is a leader in Arizona for bringing the best and latest resources to providers across the state. This program is made possible through the generosity of supporters like YOU.

Related Stories

More from the May 2023 Newsletter

A nurse administers chemotherapy to a child.Text change 1: Ellie is a budding fashionista, an aspiring equestrian, and an avid dancer and gymnast. She also has a rare metabolic disorder, but she doesn’t let it define her.

More from the May 2023 Newsletter

Text Change 2: As we celebrate Phoenix Children’s 40th anniversary this year, we’re also looking to the next 40 years and beyond. Read the 2022 annual report to find out where we’re going and how we’re growing.

More from the May 2023 Newsletter

Text Change 3: In February, Desert Financial Foundation, Credit Union and employees donated more than $1 million to support Phoenix Children’s 1 Darn Cool School—and they also had a surprise for a former patient.

More from the May 2023 Newsletter

Text Change 4: In February, Desert Financial Foundation, Credit Union and employees donated more than $1 million to support Phoenix Children’s 1 Darn Cool School—and they also had a surprise for a former patient.

More from the May 2023 newsletter:

Oliver’s Mind: May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and one courageous 12-year-old is opening up about his mental health challenges in the hopes of reaching others who are struggling.

More from the May 2023 newsletter:

Mother Amy smiling at the camera, holding her baby, Drew.The Power of a Mother’s Love: As she prepares to celebrate Mother’s Day with her baby daughter, a first-time mom reflects on what it’s like to care for a child with a life-threatening medical condition.

More from the May 2023 newsletter:

Introducing Our 2023 Patient Ambassadors: Meet the eight patients who are serving as Phoenix Children’s ambassadors this year: Joey, Sutton, Joy, Nash, SJ, Chase, Elilai and CC.

Ellie sits at her kitchen table after her family sang the "Happy Birthday" song to her. Her cake is in front of her.A Life Worth Celebrating: Ellie is a budding fashionista, an aspiring equestrian, and an avid dancer and gymnast. She also has a rare metabolic disorder, but she doesn’t let it define her.

Looking to the Future: As we celebrate Phoenix Children’s 40th anniversary this year, we’re also looking to the next 40 years and beyond. Read the 2022 annual report to find out where we’re going and how we’re growing.

The Gift of Knowledge: In February, Desert Financial Foundation, Credit Union and employees donated more than $1 million to support Phoenix Children’s 1 Darn Cool School—and they also had a surprise for a former patient.