In 2020, the Town of Paradise Valley collaborated with community partners and became a member of the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona.

Town Council member Ellen Andeen who serves as the chair to the Advisory Committee Public Safety said, “Partnerships like these help us leverage one another’s strengths to build a safer community.”

Ms. Andeen explained that drowning among children still needs more awareness and advocacy to be prevented.

In Maricopa County during 2020, there were at least 75 water related incidents involving children 5 years of age and younger resulting in 14 fatalities according to the Children’s Safety Zone which sources data within the State of Arizona. However, this drowning trend hits home across the United States.

On average, 379 fatalities related to pool/spa submersions involving children younger than 15 years of age were reported annually from 2015 through 2017 to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, according to a press release.

In stance with the mission of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance who will be hosting their 20th Water Safety Conference during the week of March 29-April 1, officials want residents to know, “United, we can prevent the tragedy of drowning.”

•  Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children 1–4 years old.
•  3,500 persons will likely die as a result of drowning in this year in the U.S.
•  88% of child drownings occur with a least one adult present.

The ABC’s of Water Safety is an easy way to remember and share these important safety tips:

A - Adult Supervision
B - Barrier
C - Classes & Coast Guard Approved Lifejackets