Most drownings often happening quickly and without warning, which is why the Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance (GYWSA) is encouraging families to take simple, proactive steps to make their homes safer and reduce the risk of drowning.
"Drownings can happen quickly and quietly, and most often happen in and around the home, but they are preventable,” said Yuma County Public Relations and Community Engagement Coordinator Ryan Butcher. “The most important thing is to always stay within arm’s reach when children are in or near water. Adding layers of protection like self-closing self-latching gates, pool alarms, swim lessons, and learning CPR can make a life-saving difference."
To help guide families in putting these safeguards into practice, the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) outlines five essential layers of protection that families can implement at home: barriers and alarms, supervision, water competency/swim lessons, life jackets, and emergency preparedness. These measures work best when combined, creating a safer environment for children both indoors and outdoors.
Many families may not realize how everyday home features can pose a risk. For example, a pet door that leads directly to a pool can be a hidden hazard, allowing unsupervised access to water. Installing door and window locks, as well as alarms that chime or send alerts when a door is opened, adds valuable seconds for an adult to respond if a child wanders off.
Inside the home, bathrooms also deserve attention. NDPA recommends using toilet lid locks, draining bathtubs and sinks after use, and storing empty containers and wading pools upside down to prevent water from collecting. Adding simple precautions like bathroom door latches can help support drowning prevention.
“As a nurse, I’ve seen how quickly accidents can happen around water — even in our own homes,” said Deputy Mayor Carol Smith. “Drowning is often silent and fast, especially with young children. Simple steps like never leaving a child unattended in the bath, securing access to pools, emptying buckets or tubs after use and constant supervision can save lives. Water safety begins at home, and prevention is always the best approach.”
Planning for emergencies is a vital part of home water safety. Families are encouraged to post emergency contact information in a visible, central location and discuss what to in the event of a water related emergency. CPR training is strongly recommended, as it can mean the difference between life and death in the critical moments before first responders arrive. When parents, caregivers, and even older children know how to perform CPR, they can respond with confidence and provide lifesaving care while waiting for help.
To learn more about local water safety programs, upcoming CPR classes, and other helpful resources, visit yumaaz.gov/watersafety and follow the City of Yuma on social media.
END
