Maricopa County surpasses 2023 pediatric drowning numbers

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — In May, Arizona’s Family reported that drowning prevention advocates warned that the number of child drownings in the Phoenix area was on pace to reach record or near-record levels.

Now, only halfway into summer, several Maricopa County cities and the City of Phoenix have already surpassed last year’s pediatric drowning deaths.

Pediatric drownings are classified as any child under five years old who dies from water-related incidents.

According to Children’s Safety Zone, 12 children under the age of 5 drowned in 2023 and 13 children under five have drowned this year.

There have been 0 drownings reported in Pinal County in 2024.

Even though the number of children drowning in Maricopa County has dropped slightly over the past few years, it is still a cause for concern in the state.

In Arizona, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4.

Breakdown of 2024 children under five drownings:

• Phoenix (8)
• Avondale (2)
• Glendale (1)
• Mesa (2)
• Peoria (1)

The Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona recommends all people follow the ABCs of Water Safety: Adult Supervision, Barriers and Classes.

“Unfortunately, it can happen to any of us. There’s no certain group of people, whether they’re wealthy or poor,” said Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona President Jay Arthur.

Whenever children are in the pool, it is essential that someone is watching them. The coalition stresses the importance of that person’s entire attention being dedicated to the pool and not to their cell phone or reading a book.

“Do the little things, the inexpensive things you can do. You can find out that number will stay down and won’t go up,” said Arthur.

“Any drowning in our community, the Valley, is a tragedy,” said Capt. Rob McDade with Phoenix Fire Department.

“Let’s make sure we don’t get complacent. Let’s make sure we’re always talking about the importance of protecting our children around water,” added McDade.

Pool fences are extremely important in helping prevent drownings. In Phoenix, pool gates must be five feet tall and latch. Click/tap here to see your city’s pool fence requirements.

It is also important to teach your child how to swim through lessons or water survival education. If the child cannot swim, put them in a Coast Guard-approved life vest anytime they are near water.

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