TUCSON, Ariz. — In the next few weeks kids will be hitting the pools and while distractions come and go, it only takes a minute for your child to wander outside and be in harms way near the water.
"It's the one thing that we can be proactive about and change the nature of the outcome," said Tucson Fire Department Captain Tom Carpenter.
In 2018 the TFD responded to 26 drowning and near drownings in the city. For children between 1-4 years old, drowning is the leading cause of death. In response the TFD is alerting families to practice the ABC's of water safety, staring with A- Active adult supervision.
"Don't be on your cell phone, don't be on Facebook, don't be engaged in an in-depth conversation with a friend, you want your sole attention to be on the kid in the pool," Carpenter explained.
B stands for barriers, while older homes are grandfathers in and don't them, many people do just in case.
"Pool fencing is the most common way to achieve that barrier," Carpenter said. He adds "You can put your doors handles out or reach to small children."
Before entering the water, Carpenter stresses the importance of C for classes. Enrolling your children in swimming courses is crucial. For children over the age of nine, CPR classes can make the difference between life and death.
"You're thinking right away this is a highly stressful situation and it can leave a lasting impact and by doing the ABC's of water safety it's your chance to change that impact,"
