PHOENIX — The weather in Arizona brings people outside to enjoy hiking, sunshine and often, swimming. But to truly enjoy the great weather, you need to know how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe around water.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, 800 to 900 children die each year by drowning. That's why 12News started the Water Watch campaign: to raise awareness about water safety.
12News journalist Emily Pritchard sat down with Bianca Cardiel, an injury prevention specialist at Phoenix Children's Hospital, to talk about why Arizona sees so many drownings and what people can do to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.
"One thing we know about Arizona drownings is that they're very predictable," Cardiel said. "It's usually a child between 1 through 4 years old, in a residential pool that is unfenced, and the child is unsupervised."
While colorful floaties and puddle jumpers look cute, Cardiel said a life jacket is the safest option for children ages 1-4. Cardiel also said it is recommended for children to start swim lessons as young as 1 year old.
There are many ways to keep children safe around water, but Cardiel said the most important strategy is adult supervision.
"Safety devices and swim lessons complement supervision, never replace it," Cardiel said.
Cardiel's top five tips for keeping young children safe around water are:
- Constant, capable supervision
- Vest-style life jackets
- Wrought iron fence surrounding pool
- Door alarm
- Don't forget to check other exits, such as a doggy door, a small child could use
Keeping your child within arm's reach, prepping for the pool ahead of time and having multiple people supervising the water fun are ways to keep children safe and enjoy time outside, too.
"We don't want to discourage you to be around the swimming pool or in the swimming pool with your child," Cardiel said. "Make sure you enjoy it as a family too."
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