This April, the Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance (GYWSA) will launch its 2025 Water Safety Campaign — a countywide initiative focused on drowning prevention and promoting safe water practices across the region.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1 to 4, and the second leading cause for children under 14. In Yuma — where our desert climate, proximity to the Colorado River, swimming pools, irrigation canals, and year-round water recreation intersect — water safety is a critical, ongoing priority.
The Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance was formed in late 2023 by the City of Yuma, Yuma County, Onvida Health, and the Prison Hill Liquid Foundation, united by a shared commitment to improve water safety through education, outreach, and expanded access to lifesaving resources.
Since its formation, the Alliance has expanded to include new partners, including the communities of San Luis, Somerton, and Wellton, as well as health organizations such as Exceptional Community Hospital — Yuma, Regional Center for Border Health, and Sunset Health. Together, the Alliance is working to deliver relevant water safety education, expand access to swim lessons, and engage residents through training, events, and public awareness efforts.
As swim season approaches, the Alliance will roll out a comprehensive water safety campaign that combines public outreach, safety education, training, and events to keep the community informed and prepared. At the heart of this effort is education, guided by the National Drowning Prevention Alliance’s Five Layers of Protection:
- Barriers and alarms
- Supervision
- Water competency and swim skills
- Life jackets
- Emergency preparation
When used together, these layers create a strong defense against drowning in pools, lakes, canals, and other bodies of water.
This year, the Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance has set two clear goals for the community: to expand access to swim lessons for infants and preschool-aged children, and to offer free CPR and water safety training for residents throughout Yuma County. These efforts are designed to give families the tools they need to stay safe in and around water — from building early swim skills to knowing how to respond in an emergency.
"Water safety isn’t just a seasonal issue — it’s a year-round priority in our community," said Jennifer Reichelt, Deputy City Administrator for the City of Yuma and founding member of the Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance. "We launched this campaign to bring partners together around a common goal: preventing drownings and giving every child, regardless of background, the chance to learn life-saving skills. This work is about protecting our families and building a safer future for Yuma County."
Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or simply someone who wants to be prepared, the Alliance encourages all residents to take part in this life-saving initiative. A full schedule of upcoming workshops and training opportunities can be found at yumaaz.gov/watersafety.
To kick off the 2025 campaign, the Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance will host a Water Safety Campaign Kickoff Party & Fundraiser on Thursday, April 10, from 5 - 7 p.m. at Prison Hill Brewing Company (278 S. Main Street). This family-friendly event offers an opportunity for the community to meet Alliance partners, learn more about the 2025 campaign, and find out how to get involved. Free water safety materials, posters, and giveaways will be available. Food and beverages can be purchased on-site, with a portion of proceeds benefiting swim lesson scholarships for young children across Yuma County.
Water safety is a community effort. There are many ways community members can get involved in this year’s campaign and help promote water safety across Yuma County:
- Share the message. Follow and share GYWSA’s social media posts to help spread water safety awareness.
- Display materials. Pick up free posters, magnets, and water safety information to display in your home, business, or community space.
- Support swim scholarships. Just $28 covers a two-week swim session for an infant or preschooler. A $200 donation can fund lessons for seven children, giving them vital water safety skills. Donate at yumaaz.gov/watersafety.
- Join us for Water Safety Day. On Saturday, June 7, events begin at 9 a.m. at Sunrise Park (20th St. & 45th Ave.) with demonstrations, booths, food, and giveaways. At 11 a.m., enjoy free swim time at the Valley Aquatic Center (4381 W. 18th Street). More details to come.
Anyone can drown. No one should. Together, we can make a difference. Whether it’s sharing a poster, learning CPR, or sponsoring swim lessons for a young child, every action helps protect lives and build a safer Yuma County. Drowning is preventable—and prevention starts with all of us.
To learn more, get involved, or make a donation, visit yumaaz.gov/watersafety.
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