Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance encourages residents to stay safe around open water

As families head to lakes, rivers, beaches and other open water destinations this summer, the Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance (GYWSA) is encouraging everyone to make a safety plan before spending time in and around water.

Unlike swimming pools, open water often comes with changing conditions, including stronger currents, uneven depths, limited visibility, and hidden hazards. Families are encouraged to choose designated swimming areas, follow posted signs and stay within marked swimming zones.

"Any body of water without lifeguards deserves even greater caution," said Parks and Recreation Supervisor AJ Mosqueda. "Rivers, lakes and oceans are constantly changing, with shifting depths, hidden hazards and powerful currents that are not always visible from the surface. Water safety is a lifelong practice around all bodies of water."

The Alliance also encourages residents to use the buddy system and avoid swimming alone. Children should always be actively supervised by a responsible adult, and caregivers should remain focused by avoiding distractions while children are on or near the water.

Wearing a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket is another important layer of protection, especially in open water or areas without lifeguards. Life jackets should be worn while boating, paddling, fishing or participating in other activities near moving water.

"Life jackets are one of the most effective ways to help prevent drowning," said Yuma Fire Department Public Information Officer Francisco Leon. "They can keep someone afloat if they become tired, injured or unexpectedly enter the water."

Residents should also be prepared to respond in an emergency. Families are encouraged to know how to call for help, keep rescue equipment nearby and learn CPR. Having a simple plan before heading to the water can help people respond more quickly if something goes wrong.

Leon added, "If someone is in trouble, call 911 right away and remember: reach or throw, don't go. Use a life jacket, rope or other object to help them from a safe location, but don't enter the water unless you are trained to perform a rescue. Too often, would-be rescuers become victims themselves."

To help the community feel more confident and prepared in and around water, the GYWSA offers free water safety workshops and CPR training opportunities. Upcoming trainings include:

• Onvida Health CPR and First Aid Class
Friday, July 24
Questions: [email protected] or call (928) 336-1277

• Onvida Health Water Safety Workshop
Monday, August 3
To register: [email protected]

• Exceptional Community Hospital First Aid and CPR Class
Saturday, August 8
To register: [email protected]

For more information about the Alliance, upcoming training opportunities and water safety resources, visit yumaaz.gov/watersafety.