How To Keep Kids Safe Around Pools In Arizona This Summer

Keep Kids Safe: Summer Pool Safety in Arizona

Arizona summers are so hot that nothing beats cooling off in the pool.

It's great to take a dip in our backyard oasis, but the fun can come with a serious risk, especially for young children.

Always make sure kids are supervised around swimming pools. \\ Canva

Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death for kids under five, and Arizona consistently ranks among states with the worst records for child drownings.

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Statistics on Drowning in Arizona

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, every year, there are an average of 358 fatal drownings that involve children under the age of fifteen. About 75% of these tragedies affect kids under five.

Prevent Child Deaths In Arizona: Simple Hacks To Avoid Tragedy

Keeping Kids Safe Around Pools in Arizona

What's the best way to keep your kids safe around pools?

Adult supervision. Never leave children unattended near water, even for a moment.

Make sure there's at least a 4-foot fence around the pool. // Canva

Make sure there's a reliable fence around the pool to act as a barrier to keep curious children away from the water's edge. Pool fences should be at least four feet high, and they should have self-latching gates to prevent kids from wandering into the pool area unsupervised.

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Swimming lessons can help kids get out of a sticky situation. // Canva

While you're swimming, make sure kids are fitted with flotation devices like "water wings" and life jackets. They're no substitute for adult supervision, but they can provide a helping hand to keep kids safe.

Sign your kids up for swimming lessons. Teaching kids how to navigate water safely can help them gain confidence and manage the water safely.

When Do Accidental Drownings Happen Most Often?

May through August are the summer months with the highest rates of nonfatal drowning injuries.

The incidents happen most often in residential pools, so if you have a backyard pool or spend time with someone who does, make sure there are safety measures in place. Also, CPR training can make all the difference in an emergency.

Take CPR classes as a first line of defense in an emergency. // Canva

A few precautions around your Arizona pool can make a world of difference between a fun summer afternoon and a devastating tragedy.

Sources: Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS) | All About Arizona News | United States Consumer Product Safety Commission

LOOK: How Many of These Classic Summer Toys Do You Remember?

If you grew up in the Wild West of the '60s, '70s, or '80s, summer toys were a lifeline because many of us were locked outside (until the street lights came on). Inside was no place for a kid! Check out these classic summer toys that kept us cool, kept us busy, and always seemed to add a dash of danger.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz