August is “Drowning Impact Awareness Month” in Yuma

Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls proclaimed August “Drowning Impact Awareness Month” in hopes of tackling the number of drownings that happen every year.

Every year in Arizona dozens of people drown. This year there has been 33 drowning deaths in Phoenix alone, 12 of which were children.

In Yuma, there has been at least one drowning and three near-drowning incidents.

Families can take simple steps to protect their children around water and avoid the tragedy of a drowning. The Yuma Fire Department suggests:

Constant, responsible, focused, adult supervision Barrier fencing can act as a safety net for children around pools Make sure your child knows how to swim

In California and Arizona, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death to children under the age of five.

Children four years old and younger are in the highest risk group.