Free pool fence gives Peoria grandmother peace of mind

As Arizona families spend more time around backyard pools this summer, a free pool fence is helping one Peoria family feel safer.

Tamara Drown was one of nine West Valley residents selected for Child Crisis Arizona’s fifth annual Pool Fence Safety Program, which provides free pool fences through a partnership with SRP, State Farm and local charities.

Drown lives with her daughter and 20-month-old granddaughter, Amelia, who she says loves being outside near the pool.

“She loves the pool,” Drown said. “We have tortoises and we go out to feed them every day, and she is so curious about that pool.”

Drown had removed an older pool fence years ago after her children grew up. When her daughter moved back home with Amelia, replacing it quickly became a priority.

“Lo and behold, my daughter moved back with her baby,” Drown said. “She is just absolutely the most adorable little girl, and I have this ginormous pool.”

Although the family closely supervised Amelia around the water, Drown said she knew another layer of protection was necessary. The challenge was the cost.

Living on Social Security, Drown said she received an estimate of about $3,200 for a new pool fence.

“I just didn’t know what to do,” she said. “One day, I happened to see something about a pool fence, and I thought, ‘Oh well, maybe I’ll qualify’ and I did.”

She described the application process as simple and said the organizations involved kept her informed throughout.

“If you qualify, they are so kind and quick,” Drown said.

The new fence has changed how the family enjoys its backyard. While Drown and her daughter still closely supervise Amelia, she said the pool fence provides added reassurance.

“It’s just such a secure feeling,” she said.

Child Crisis Arizona launched the Pool Fence Safey Program five years ago with SRP to help families who otherwise could not afford one of the most effective barriers against child drownings.

“Drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 and continues to rank among the top five causes of death for children ages 5 to 9,” Caitlin Sageng, Child Crisis Arizona’s vice president of program operations, said in a statement.

Sageng said this year’s recipients include grandparents serving as primary caregivers, single-parent households and families navigating the adoption process.

“While no single measure can single-handedly avert tragedy, we know layers of protection matter,” Sageng said. “A properly installed pool fence, paired with active supervision, swim lessons and water safety education, can make a life-saving difference.”

As Arizona’s pool season continues, Child Crisis Arizona hopes programs like this one will help more families add another layer of protection, giving children a safer place to enjoy the water while providing caregivers with peace of mind.