MARANA- Every child drowning is preventable, and the Town of Marana is urging residents to do their part to prevent and reduce drownings in our community.
Mayor Ed Honea and Town Council recently issued a proclamation declaring August 2022 as “Drowning Impact Awareness Month.”
The proclamation declares that drowning is a top cause of injury and death for children and teens in our state, and child drownings are nearly 100 percent preventable.
During the month of August, the town will collaborate with the Drowning Prevention Coalition as well as state and local governments, community organizations, and private citizens to raise awareness about drowning prevention.
“This message is so important because people get a little lax around the water especially going into August as everything else is starting to pick up, the fall months are coming and people start to lose sight or lose attention around the water. So we want to make sure we’re maintaining awareness and making sure people remember to stay extra safe around the water,” said Kevin Goodrich, Marana Parks and Recreation Supervisor.
The town’s own award-winning #SplashSavvy campaign aims to educate on drowning awareness by partnering with local first responders such as the town’s community partner Northwest Fire District.
“Splash Savvy is built around just being aware of the dangers of drowning and being prepared to respond appropriately to a drowning emergency should a drowning occur,” Goodrich explained.
“A pediatric drowning is one of the hardest calls for a firefighter or fire district to go on. Not only difficult for the family but it kind of stays with the firefighters as well throughout their career,” said Northwest Firefighter Jake Wright.
Northwest Fire District encourages parents to remember the ABCs of Water Safety to keep their kids safe.
“You always want to have an adult around which is important, have a barrier around the pool so a self-latching gate something that will close on its own and also classes so CPR classes for adults, but also swim classes for the children to make sure they’re comfortable in and around the water,” said Northwest Firefighter Jake Wright.
Wright also said adult supervision is especially important around the water.
“The scariest thing about a pediatric drowning is that you won’t be able to hear them when they’re drowning so they won’t be able to call out for help and it just takes a couple of seconds for that to happen, so we really like to have the adult supervision if someone is around the pool,” said Wright.
Drowning Impact Awareness Month (DIAM) started back in 2004 with the Phoenix Children’s Hospital. According to the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona, DIAM is now the largest collaborative water safety effort in the state.
Drowning Impact Awareness Month 2022
