PHX Reporter

As summer approaches, Banner Children's at Desert is urging families to stay informed and vigilant about water safety. According to Children’s Safety Zone, 12 children aged 6 to 12 drowned in 2023, and from January to April this year, there have been five drownings among children aged 0 to 5 in Maricopa and Pinal counties.

Tracey J. Fejt, a nurse and Trauma Outreach Coordinator at Banner Children's at Desert, stressed the importance of continuous education on water safety. Fejt stated: "Drowning is a preventable tragedy; it is crucial that families take proactive steps to keep their children safe around water. Especially during the summer months when families spend more time near pools, lakes, and even bathtubs, it only takes a moment for a drowning incident to occur. By staying vigilant and informed about best practices for water safety, we can reduce the risk of drowning incidents in our community."

Some tips for parents to keep their children safe around water include:

- Never leave children unattended near water. Always designate a responsible adult to supervise children while swimming or playing near water.

- Teach children how to swim from an early age.

- Install proper barriers around pools and hot tubs, such as fences with self-closing and self-latching gates, to prevent unsupervised access by children.

- Learn CPR in case of emergency.

- Adults and children should always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket appropriate for their weight and size when on lakes and rivers.

By following these simple tips, parents can help keep their children safe and prevent water-related accidents. It only takes seconds for a child to drown, so being alert is crucial.

Banner Children's at Desert provides pediatric care for newborns through adolescents. Services include immediate access to Level I trauma services and emergency care with a Level III neonatal intensive care unit, general pediatrics, surgical services and rehabilitation, hematology/oncology, urology, gastroenterology, neurology, and outpatient services. For more information visit bannerhealth.com/bannerchildrensatdesert.