15th Annual Water Safety Day Returns, with Lifesaving Message

Although the official start of spring is still a week away, media reported that four Valley children were found in backyard pools last week, and two of those children lost their lives. Drowning was the leading injury-related cause of death for Arizona children age five and under in 2012, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. 

The risk of drowning is significant for Valley children, and sharing evidence-based prevention messages with families is critical. The entire community will come together to do just that at the Valley of the Sun’s “Official Kickoff to Swimming Season,” Valley Toyota Dealer’s Water Safety Day, also presented by SRP Safety Connection. Nearly 1,100 first grade students will attend, as part of a seven-week learning process, including curriculum. This year, the 15^th annual Water Safety Day will be Tuesday, March 25, 2014, from 9 am to 1:30 pm, at Mesa Community College, 1833 W. Southern Avenue, Mesa. 

The effort is organized by Water Watchers at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and draws national interest and support. Mesa Fire and Medical Department and Mesa Community College will act as hosts of the effort, providing significant assistance and support. This one-of-a-kind celebration has an abundance of strong visuals and activities, including:   

• Live rescue demonstrations and lessons, in the crystal blue water of our heated swimming pool

• The Valley’s most unified display of public safety support with fire trucks and rescue boats

• Build-A-Reminder workshops with La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries, with crafty safety reminders

• A high-energy singing firefighter show, puppetry show, and a large Kid Zone carnival area