The Valley of the Sun YMCA is proud to partner with Arizona’s Family to help Arizonans Swim Safe this summer. Together, we are committed to raising awareness around preventable accidental drownings that we see every year. Please join us to commit to swim safe this summer and to being a water watcher.

Water Watcher image DROWNING: HOW BIG IS THE PROBLEM?

Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children under the age of four and second leading cause of unintentional death for children under the age of 12.
Nationally, three children die each day as a result of drowning.
60% of youth drowning incidents occur within 10 feet of safety.
88% of children who drowned were under some form of supervision.
Children who have formal swim lessons are 88% less likely to have a drowning incident.
Drowning is fast and silent – it can happen in as little as 20 seconds.

HOW CAN YOU HELP AS A WATER WATCHER?

1. Download a Water Watcher Tag.
  WATER WATCHER TAG (ENGLISH) WATER WATCHER TAG (SPANISH)
2. Take the Water Watcher pledge to keep kids safe in and around water.
  I pledge to be a Water Watcher to keep kids safe in and around the water. I agree to:
  - - Actively watch all children.
    - Keep my eyes on the water.
    - Avoid distractions.
    - In an emergency, pull all children out of the water, call 911 and begin CPR.
3. Take a photo with your Water Watcher Tag. Post on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, using #SwimSafe. Share the Water Watcher tag with family and friends and ask them to do the same.
4. Donate to the YMCA to provide swim lessons to youth in need.
  - To mail a check in support of the #swimsafe campaign, please send to:
    
    Valley of the Sun YMCA
    Swim Safe Campaign
    PO Box 1670
    Phoenix, AZ 85001

Help us increase water safety awareness within the community. The more we get the word out, the more likely we are to prevent another death.