Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance encourages families to practice water safety at home

Drownings can happen quickly and without warning, which is why the Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance is encouraging families to take simple, proactive steps to make their homes safer and reduce the risk of drowning.

"As a nurse and a councilmember, I want to remind families how important it is that drowning prevention starts with protection and practice at home," said Councilmember Carol Smith. "Constant supervision, secure barriers, swim lessons, appropriate flotation devices, and knowing CPR are crucial. A few seconds can change everything, so please make sure water safety is a daily priority and never assume someone else is watching."

One way families can strengthen water safety at home is by using multiple layers of protection. The National Drowning Prevention Alliance recommends five key layers: barriers and alarms, supervision, water competency and swim lessons, life jackets, and emergency preparedness. Together, these safeguards can help reduce risks and provide added protection when one layer fails.

Some hazards around the home may not be as obvious. For example, a pet door that leads directly to a pool area can give a child unsupervised access to water. Door and window locks, pool barriers, and alarms that chime or send alerts when a door is opened can provide additional protection and give adults valuable time to respond.

Water safety risks can also look different depending on a child's age.

"Water safety at home changes as children grow," said Ryan Butcher, Deputy Chief Health Officer for the Yuma County Public Health Services District. "While pools are well-known hazards for toddlers, infants and children under 1 can drown in even smaller amounts of water. Bathtubs, toilets, buckets and small inflatable pools all pose serious risks, making it important for families to recognize and address age-specific water hazards throughout the home."

For that reason, water safety should extend beyond the backyard pool. Families can help reduce risks inside and around the home by using toilet lid locks, draining bathtubs and sinks after use, emptying buckets and other containers, storing wading pools upside down when not in use, and using bathroom door latches when appropriate.

Being prepared for an emergency is another important layer of protection. Families are encouraged to keep emergency contact information in a visible location, talk about what to do during a water-related emergency and learn CPR. Knowing how to respond can help parents, caregivers, and older children provide lifesaving care while waiting for first responders to arrive.

To learn more about local water safety programs, upcoming CPR classes and other helpful resources, visit YumaAZ.gov/WaterSafety and follow the City of Yuma on social media.