Onvida launches free water safety workshops

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Keeping locals safe from drowning. That's the goal of Onvida Health and the Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance.

Drowning is a leading cause of death for young children, and local officials say more needs to be done to prevent tragedy.

This is why Onvida Health and the Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance are launching free monthly workshops to teach CPR, basic water safety, and emergency response skills.

"I ultimately would like to see no drownings occur in our community, I would like to see people walk away with the ability to provide cpr if they're ever in that situation I would love for people to share information on water safety," said Deputy Mayor Carol Smith.

Smith is also a nurse at Onvida Health.

These hands-on sessions will help parents, caregivers, and community members feel more prepared in case of a water emergency. 

These workshops are part of a larger push from the Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance, which was formed in 2023 to bring community partners together in the fight against drownings.

"We've definitely seen an interest in growing that message county wide but we are also focused on two primary goals this year, one is to provide more access to CPR and first aid training workshops, and we're also trying to raise money for scholarships for swimming lessons for that infant to preschool age group," said Deputy City Administrator Jennifer Reichelt.

The first workshop will be held Thursday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Onvida Health. 

Registration opens on the first of each month and is first-come, first-served. Each participant will also receive a child-sized, Coast Guard-approved life jacket. 

City leaders say these workshops are just one step in a broader effort to make Yuma safer. For more information go to www.yumaaz.gov/watersafety.