Drowning Tragedies Rise in Valley Counties, Igniting Demands for Immediate Action

PHOENIX — Drowning incidents in Maricopa and Pinal Counties have reached a five-year high, with 2024 witnessing the loss of more lives than any previous year. Advocates are alarmed by this trend and are calling for preventive measures as the new year approaches.

The latest data from Children’s Safety Zone indicates that 18 children under five drowned this year, a stark increase from 12 fatalities in 2023. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for heightened awareness and preventive strategies.

“Awareness can make a difference. Recognizing the potential for tragedy encourages proactive measures,” said Heather Patterson, a Fire and Life Safety Education Specialist with Mesa Fire and Rescue. Many of the drownings occurred when children accessed the pool during periods when families were not swimming, underscoring the need for constant vigilance.

Ashley Ackerman, who lost her four-year-old son to drowning in March 2022, now leads the non-profit Swim 4 Braxton to advocate for drowning prevention. “A body of water doesn’t go anywhere. You have to be prepared every day, not just in summer,” she asserted, recalling a day when her son slipped through a faulty fence while they were occupied indoors.

Ackerman founded Swim 4 Braxton to provide funding for essential safety measures, including pool fencing, CPR training, and swim rescue lessons. “I want to spare other families from experiencing this regret,” she emphasized. She advocates for multiple layers of protection, including securely gated fences and door alarms.

Patterson added, “Adult supervision is critical, but it’s unrealistic to expect it all the time. Secure barriers are essential.” Such barriers can act as the first line of defense against preventable drownings.

In addition to child drownings, the report revealed that 53 adults also drowned last year—a figure that has been rising since 2019. This trend reinforces the message that swimming should never be an isolated activity, regardless of age.

Community resources are available for families seeking assistance. Swim 4 Braxton offers swim lessons and safety training, while Child Crisis Arizona will open applications for a Pool Fence Safety Program in Spring 2025.

The increase in drowning incidents highlights a pressing issue for both communities and families, intensifying the need for shared knowledge and proactive safety initiatives.