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Councilman Greg Stanton's
Arcadia News Column
May 2002
With warm weather here, we'll soon be seeking refuge from the summer heat in our swimming pools.
The dangers are not just around swimming pools, but all bodies of water. Every year, too many children are seriously injured or killed by falling into swimming pools, buckets of water, toilets, and even the bathtub. Just last year, Phoenix firefighters responded to 104 calls where children had found their way into these perilous situations. It's a frightening reminder that we all need to be diligent when children are around water.
Assistant Phoenix Fire Chief Bob Khan said, "Parents just don't see water — bathtubs and swimming pools — as a hazard. So the phone rings while Junior is in the tub. Mom answers the phone, or goes to get a drink of water. She comes back two minutes later to find her baby not breathing just inches below the surface. It happens too often."
The tragedy is that these sad incidents are completely preventable. Here are some tips to help keep your child safe:
- do not leave your child alone in the bathtub — even for 30 seconds;
- if you have a swimming pool, do not leave your child alone, not even for 30 seconds;
- lock doors and gates leading to swimming pools;
- restrict any access to yards where swimming pools are located, regardless of whether the pool is fenced;
- don't leave buckets of water alone near babies and toddlers.
There are numerous events around the Valley this month to remind parents and caretakers of the importance of watching children around water. On April 20, before the Arizona Diamondbacks game, the Phoenix Fire Department will host a water safety fair. This fair will give tips on preventing drowning and will be held in the plaza just outside Bank One Ballpark at Fourth and Jefferson streets.
It's an old message, but it saves lives: Watch your kids around water. Don't ever leave them alone; not even for a few seconds.
For more information on this topic, please contact the Phoenix Fire Public Information Department at
(602) 534-0953 or the United Phoenix Firefighters at (602) 277-1500.
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