Full Notification

August 1st, 2013

The month of August has been designated as Drowning Impact Awareness Month (DIAM) by the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Central Arizona. The City of Maricopa will have the opportunity to join this noble cause at the August 6th, 2013 city council meeting. A DIAM proclamation will be on the agenda to allow the council to make a declaration that will bring increased attention to an issue that will save lives.

Drowning Impact Awareness Month proclamations have been signed by Governor Brewer and Mayors across the state. The goal of the Drowning Prevention Coalition is to have 100% cooperation from all valley cities and surrounding communities, by establishing declarations of their own. Family, friends, neighbors and emergency responders will be affected by and remember these incidents for the rest of their lives. Drowning is the leading cause of death of children under the age of 4 and the second leading cause of death in children under age 14. Each year thousands of children die or suffer permanent and irreversible brain damage as a result of a drowning incident. Most drowning incidents occur in backyard swimming pools, but buckets, bathtubs, toilets, dog bowls, canals and ponds also pose hazards.

It is estimated that for each drowning death, there are 1 to 4 non-fatal submersions serious enough to result in hospitalization. Children who still require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at the time they arrive at the emergency department have a poor prognosis, with at least half of survivors suffering significant neurological impairment.
American Academy of Pediatrics

Drowning prevention starts with you! Drowning and near drowning events are preventable and below are some useful tips everyone should be aware of:

• ABCs of Water Safety- Adult supervision, Barriers, Classes

• Know where your children are at all times.

• Use an approved barrier to separate the pool from the house.

• Never allow children to be alone near a pool or any water source.

• Have life-saving devices near the pool, such as a pole/hook, or flotation device.

• Keep large objects such as tables, chairs, toys, and ladders away from pool fences.

• Post the 9-1-1 number on the phone.

• If you leave the pool area, take the children with you.

• Always have a “designated water watcher”

• Learn to swim

• Learn CPR

• Never swim alone

• Never swim while under the influence of alcohol or medications

• Never swim when thunder or lightning is present

• Never dive into unfamiliar or shallow bodies of water


For more information about drowning prevention and the Drowning Impact Awareness Month movement please visit childrensafetyzone.com

NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN UNATTENDED AROUND WATER SOURCES, SUCH AS POOLS, BUCKETS, BATHTUBS, TOILETS, LAKES OR PONDS AND CANALS

Water Safety…It’s A Family Affair!!!

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