Drowning is the leading cause of dying in Arizona (AZ) in kids below four years old. (See Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona)

There is no solitary measure suggested to avoid drownings. What is encouraged is a three-step approach: “Block, Watch and Learn.”

Step One: Block.
Block the backyard pool with a barrier such as a pool cover or fence. Close bathroom doors so small children cannot drown in toilets. Block access to the water.

Step Two – Watch.
Many common drownings occur in buckets, bathtubs, toilets, pools, ponds, and lakes.Continuous supervision should be practiced in the vicinity of all bodies of water.

Step Three: Learn.
Learn how to swim and get trained in CPR. All kids should take swimming lessons also.

CPR Classes can make the difference between Life and Death to a loved one. Any person that has children should learn CPR and take refresher courses biannually.

When you take a Basic CPR class you will learn how to administer CPR to Infants, Children, and adults as per the guidelines established by the American Heart Association( AHA).

Unfortunately, when a child drowns first responders such as EMT’s, Paramedics, and Firefighters are the first to begin CPR. Many bystanders are unwilling to perform CPR for fear of doing it incorrectly or injuring the person further. If your boy or girl drowns, every second counts. You can’t wait around for EMT’s to show up to get started on CPR. Every minute that passes diminishes the likelihood of survival. CPR is more successful when administered within the 1st five minutes after the patient quits breathing. How long will it take for paramedics to arrive? Five minutes? Ten minutes? If this is your kid, can you afford to not know CPR?