August is Drowning Impact Awareness Month
Arizona ranks second in the nation for child drownings, and summer months bring increased incidents. So far this year, there have been 12 fatalities in Maricopa County. It's a tragedy that knows no bounds and it is completely preventable.
For the sixth year, the Water Watchers program, led by Phoenix Children's Hospital along with Arizona fire departments and local businesses are recognizing August as Drowning Impact Awareness Month.
This year, the effort will include:
Why do it?
- To recognize the impact of each drowning and near-drowning on family, friends, emergency personnel, and our community.
- To increase discussion about drowning and share prevention information that can avert future water-related incidents for Valley kids.
What you can do:
- Wear purple awareness ribbons.
- Include water safety information in existing newsletters and marketing information.
- Educate yourself on water safety.
- Incorporate Drowning Impact Awareness into activities throughout August.
- Encourage water safety discussions.
- Spread the word about existing efforts for maximum attention and support.
For the entire month of August, purple ribbons will be tied to the trees in front of Phoenix Children's Hospital, one for each water-related incident involving a child in Maricopa County since January 1, 2000. More than 1,000 ribbons will be displayed.
If you'd like to get involved, you can request and distribute purple ribbons or volunteer for Water Watchers at Phoenix Children's Hospital.
Most importantly, practice water safety in your home.
Other helpful information:
ABCs of Water Safety Checklist
Pool Safety Tips
Swimming Pool Barrier Codes by City
Tubby Tag program - bathtub drowning prevention
Drowning Impact Awareness Month press releases
How you can help spread the word
Contact us:
For more information, or a purple ribbon for Drowning Impact Awareness Month, please contact Tiffaney Isaacson at (602) 546-1712 or tisaacson@phoenixchildrens.com.
