As 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 54 water-related incidents in Maricopa and Pinal counties this year, and sadly 22 water-related deaths.
“As we approach summer, it is important to prioritize safety, especially around water,” said QCFMD Chief Vance Gray. “We encourage all residents to follow the ABCDs of water safety to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer.”
ABCDs of water safety:
-
Adult supervision.
-
Barriers between children and water.
-
Classes in CPR for adults and swim lessons for children.
-
Devices near water including rescue rings, hooks and lifejackets.
In addition to knowing the ABCDs of water safety, 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.
-
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 911 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 June 22. To sign up, contact QCFMD by calling 480-358-3360 or emailing [email protected]. For additional information on drowning statistics and more tips visit Children’s Safety Zone.
For more information about QCFMD and additional safety tips, visit QueenCreekAZ.gov/SafetyTips.
