Child Crisis Arizona Installs 18 Free Pool Fences for Valley Families

A pool fence can mean the difference between a child’s safety and a preventable tragedy. This year, Child Crisis Arizona helped 18 Valley families protect their young children from the dangers of backyard pools by installing free pool fences, made possible through the generous support of Salt River Project (SRP) and State Farm. Their partnership not only funded spring installations but also made it possible to open an additional round this fall, extending lifesaving protection to even more families who otherwise might not be able to afford it.

The program helps income-qualified families with young children access an essential safety measure that might otherwise be out of reach. By removing financial barriers to pool safety, Child Crisis Arizona is working to prevent childhood drownings and keep children safer at home.

“Preventing childhood injuries and deaths starts with giving families the tools and resources they need to keep their children safe,” said Caitlin Sageng, vice president of program operations at Child Crisis Arizona. “Pool fences provide an important layer of protection, and our water safety education helps parents and caregivers understand how to reduce drowning risks. We’re grateful to SRP and State Farm for helping us reach more families and expand this lifesaving work.”

In addition to installing free pool fences, Child Crisis Arizona provides year-round water safety education through a virtual workshop led by a Safe Kids Maricopa County coordinator. The program reinforces the importance of multiple layers of protection, including barriers, active supervision and water safety skills.

“At SRP, we understand that drownings aren’t limited to the summer months. Pools can be dangerous all year long,” said Rori Minor, SRP Community Engagement Strategist. “Child Crisis Arizona is a great partner in furthering prevention efforts, and we’re proud to support this initiative as it grows to protect even more families.”

“State Farm is deeply committed to helping families prevent the unexpected,” said Elyssa Tapetillo, State Farm Corporate Responsibility Analyst. “Through this partnership, we’re empowering parents and caregivers with greater peace of mind and helping protect little ones as they enjoy the Arizona sunshine.”

Child Crisis Arizona extends its sincere thanks to SRP and State Farm for investing in this vital program and making it possible to reach additional families this fall. Together, these partners are helping strengthen families, advance prevention and create safer communities for Arizona’s children.

Families interested in learning more about pool safety resources and water safety education can visit childcrisisaz.org/what-we-do/pool-fence-program.