Water Safety Programs
Every year, an average of 20 children drown in Maricopa County alone. It's the second most common cause of injury for children in our state. Many near-drowning victims suffer permanent neurological impairment.
On May 31, 1998, Weston Letter drowned in his family's swimming pool. Family members and friends of the Letter family began Phoenix Children's Hospital's Water Watchers programs to honor Weston's memory and teach the community that tragedy knows no boundaries.
Read Weston's story.
Listen to Weston's mom, Druann Letter, talk about her son on the 2006 KMLE radiothon.
Water Watchers Programs
Learn about Phoenix Children's efforts to keep water safety front and center in the minds of adults and children who live in our state.
Drowning Impact Awareness Month
Water Safety Day
Tubby Tags
ABCs of Water Safety Checklist
Water Watchers Pool Safety Tips
Download water safety brochures in English and Spanish >>
Did you know?
...that the drain in your hot tub and pool can be a hazard? In 2002, seven year old Virginia Graeme Baker drown as a result of a faulty
drain at the bottom of a hot tub. Federal legislation was eventually enacted to improve safety in spas and pools. The act created
guidelines for safer drain covers, suction systems, and drain system designs, preventing entrapment injuries and deaths.
- Drain cover(s) that comply with ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007 standards. Covers more than a few months old likely need to be replaced, and the cost of a new cover is approximately $50.
- Drain cover(s) that have the "VGB 2008" or "ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007" label.
- Drain cover(s) should be at least three feet apart, from edge to edge.
- If a pool or spa has a single main drain, or if the drain covers are to close together, familiesshould install a "Suction Valve Release system". This system monitors the water flow, and if a vacuum occurs, such as when a child covers the drain with thier stomach or backside, the system automatically shuts off so the vacuum is released.
For more information about entrapment hazards, follow these links:
http:// www.poolsafety.gov Consumer Product Safety Commision information on the Virginia Graeme Baker act
http:// www.apsp.or/clientresources/documents/2summaryof%20P-SSafetyAct.pdf
http://www.ndpa.org/tips/layers.htm
http://www.preventdrownings.org/go/page.php?page=safety_act
Additional resources:
Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona
National Drowning Prevention Alliance
CPR classes at Phoenix Children's (search for Heartsavers)
United Firefighters SaveRKids
Adopt-a-pool-fence program
Swimming Pool Barrier Codes by City
Child Safety Zone - Statistics for Maricopa County
The Compassionate Friends - Grief support group
Grief Support:
- Other organizations providing support groups: Franciscan Renewal Center 480-648-7640, Community Church of Joy 602-561-0500x246, St. Maria Goretti 480-948-8080, Catholic Social Services 602-997-6105
For educators:
Each year, schools across the Valley use the Water Watchers curriculum. This innovative program, which has been recognized by the National Water Safety Congress, teaches children water safety while addressing existing classroom priorities. Download it for free here today!
Download the Water Watchers Curriculum (this will take minute to download, so thanks in advance for your patience.)
Water Safety Day:
Water Watchers coordinates the Valley of the Sun's Official Kickoff to Swimming Season, " Water Safety Day". This one-of-a-kind event will be held at Glendale Community College on Tuesday March 30th, and volunteers are needed for both the event, and for pre-event preparations. Would you like to make a difference with us? Please e-mail tisaacson@phoenixchildrens.com or call 602-546-1712 for more information!
Contact:
For more information, contact Tiffaney Isaacson at tisaacson@phoenixchildrens.com or (602) 546-1712
or (602) 546-0960.
