GYWSA Encourages Families to Stay Safe Around Water This Summer

As summer approaches and water activity increases, the Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance (GYWSA) is encouraging families to take proactive steps to help prevent drownings by following the National Drowning Prevention Alliance's (NDPA) Five Layers of Protection. As part of its ongoing water safety outreach, the Alliance is highlighting the first two layers of protection: barriers and alarms, and close, constant, capable supervision.

Barriers - including fences, self-latching gates, doors, and pool covers - serve as the first line of defense in preventing unsupervised access to water. Families should also consider access points that may be easy to overlook, including doggie doors or pet doors that could allow a small child to reach the pool area. These openings should be secured, locked, or otherwise addressed as part of a home's overall water safety plan. According to the NDPA, 70% of child drownings happen when a pool or spa is not actively being used.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends four-sided fencing around pools that completely separates the water area from the home and other structures. Pool fences should be at least 48 inches tall, with vertical bars spaced no more than four inches apart to help prevent children from squeezing through. Horizontal rails should also be positioned to discourage climbing, and the base of the fence should not allow room for crawling underneath.

In addition to fencing, alarm systems can provide another layer of protection. Options include:

• Gate alarms that sound when a pool gate is opened
• Surface and underwater pool alarms
• Perimeter pool alarms triggered by motion
• Wearable alarms for children that activate when wet

The NDPA encourages homeowners to consult professionals when selecting and installing alarm systems to ensure they fit the property's specific needs.

Pool safety covers and nets can also help prevent drownings when used correctly. Power-operated covers are especially effective, but all covers should be securely replaced after every swim session.

While physical barriers and alarms are important, active adult supervision remains one of the most critical layers of protection. Families should establish clear expectations around water supervision, and every guest, babysitter, and caregiver should understand that constant vigilance is required. For infants and toddlers, that means always staying within arm's reach of a responsible adult.

"Barriers, alarms, and supervision all play an important role when it comes to pool and water safety," said Yuma Fire Department Public Information Officer Francisco Leon. "Proper barriers such as fences with self-closing and self-latching gates help prevent unsupervised access to the water. Door and pool alarms provide an added warning if a child gets near the pool area unexpectedly. Most importantly, nothing replaces active adult supervision. Distractions can happen in seconds, and constant attention around water can save a life. We encourage families to use all three together this summer to help prevent tragedies before they happen."

One way families can help maintain active supervision is by assigning a designated Water Watcher - an adult responsible for actively monitoring children in and around the water. Water Watchers should avoid distractions such as phones or lengthy conversations and should never be under the influence of alcohol. Adults can rotate Water Watcher duties throughout gatherings to help ensure supervision remains consistent.

Drowning is fast and silent - but it is also preventable. By combining barriers, alarms, and focused supervision, families can help create a safer environment around water this summer.

For more information about water safety and the GYWSA, visit yumaaz.gov/watersafety.