As the temperatures continue to rise, the Queen Creek Fire and Medical Department (QCFMD) reminds residents to be safe around water and help prevent drownings.
According to the Children Safety Zone, there have been 26 water-related incidents in Maricopa and Pinal counties this year and, sadly, 15 water-related deaths.
“As friends and family gather for Memorial Day weekend, it is particularly important to be mindful of water safety,” said QCFMD Chief Vance Gray. “We encourage the ABCDs of water safety to help prevent these tragic incidents.”
In addition to knowing the ABCDs of water safety: Adult supervision, Barriers between children and water, Classes in CPR for adults and swim lessons for children, and Devices near water, including rescue rings, hooks and lifejackets, QCFMD has the following tips:
- Always look in the pool first. Every second counts when an individual is drowning and precious time is often wasted looking elsewhere. Always look for missing individuals, especially children in the pool or spa first.
- Drowning is silent. Many people believe they will hear someone drowning because the individual will be screaming or splashing. However, drowning is silent with the individual unable to make noise.
If you find someone in any source of water:
- Yell for help and pull the person out of the water.
- Call 9-1-1 immediately.
- Begin CPR if you are trained.
- If you are not trained to administer CPR, follow the instructions from the 911 operator until help arrives.
QCFMD offers free CPR classes – the next community class will be on Saturday, June 24. To sign up, contact QCFMD by calling 480-358-3360 or by emailing cprclass@queencreekaz.gov.
For more information about the QCFMD or for additional safety tips, visit QueenCreekAZ.gov/SafetyTips or follow Facebook.com/QCFire.
