Drowning Impact Awareness is the largest collaborative water safety effort in the State of Arizona.
Why August?
During the month of August is when the number of child drowning surges in Arizona as safety rules tend to get looser as summer winds down. Furthermore, back-to-school distractions during this time of year make it a high-risk month for child drownings. Though children seem more prone to drowning the fact is that drowning can happen at any age. Thus, to raise awareness of this issue purple ribbons are worn to remind everyone about water safety and to recognize the impact fatal and non-fatal drownings have had.
To prevent the increase in drowning incidents the ABCDs of water safety were created and implemented.
- Adult Supervision (A): Adult Supervision is key to preventing drownings. At least one adult who is sober and focused should always be with children in and around the water. The adult should be completely focused on the child and should have no distractions. Drownings can happen in seconds and are silent. So even a small distraction can lead to a death caused by drowning.
- Barriers (B): Barriers should be in place so children cannot access the pool without the permission of an adult. Barriers can include a fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate, door locks that children are unable to reach, and door alarms. Additionally, dog doors should not have direct access to the pool and should be closed to prevent children from reaching the pool. Tables, chairs, and any equipment that the child can be used to climb and gain access to the pool must be kept away from the child’s reach.
- Classes (C): Children should be enrolled in swimming classes and taught how to swim and get out of the people. Additionally, children should be taught that running, jumping, and pushing others on pool decks is dangerous and can cause injuries. Adults can get certified in CPR by enrolling or participating in CPR courses offered by their local community or hospital.
- Devices (D): Devices approved by the lifeguard can be used by both children and adults. Devices like inflatable floaties and life jackets are considered life-saving devices as they prevent people from drowning. These devices must be used appropriately as using them in the wrong way can cause injury to not only the user but also the people around them.
Drowning is called the “silent killer” because it can happen in the blink of an eye, and you won’t be able to hear it. To prevent injuries and deaths caused by drowning follow the ABCDs of drowning and educate children about them. The more the children know about the impact of fatal and non-fatal drownings the more cautious they will be around bodies of water. This effort to raise awareness of the impact of drowning began in 2004 and to this day is one of the largest collaborative water safety efforts in the state.
Sources:
MaranaAZ.gov, Drowning Impact Awareness Month
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