Children drowning in pools happens too frequently and are often preventable.   

Dane Palmero, owner of Simply Fun Pools and Tim Maloney, a retired Phoenix firefighter and owner of Arizona Pool Fence are partnering to raise awareness surrounding pool safety as summer approaches by sharing a few key tips for Arizona residents, as well as hosting a contest to give away a pool fence to a deserving local family, according to a press release.

 “As a former fire fighter, I saw these drownings first-hand and the majority of them could have been prevented, which is what led me to open Arizona Pool Fence,” Maloney said in the release. “Partnering with Dane and Simply Fun Pools will help ensure that everyone is who is getting a new pool will know the benefits of having a pool fence and realize that it is a requirement in order to keep your family safe.”

 Maloney and Palmero urge residents to keep in mind the following tips for pool safety this summer:

• Supervision is key - The most important thing you can do to reduce the risk of drowning is to ensure there is always a responsible, attentive adult keeping an eye on children when they are near water. Don’t be distracted by cell phones, chores or other people. Drownings are known as a silent tragedy; you will not hear it happen and need to have 100% of your attention on the child. 
• Check Pool Fences and Gates - If there are children under the age of six living in your home, Arizona law requires that your pool area be enclosed by fencing that is at least five feet high and free of openings, along with the ability to self-close or latch. For those who already have pool fences and/or gates installed, always check the self-closing mechanisms to ensure they are functioning properly, check for broken slats or rusting and never leave a gate propped open for any reason.
• Invest in Swim Classes - Basic swimming lessons from an early age will be instrumental in aiding child safety in the water. The American Association of Pediatrics recommends children start taking swimming lessons from the age of one. However, Maloney adds in the release that “no amount of swimming instruction will make a child drown-proof; supervision is still required at all times.”
• Learn CPR and First-Aid Procedures - Any adult or babysitter who are caring for children should know CPR and basic first-aid procedures. “Being able to perform CPR after a drowning could be the one thing that keeps a child alive until medics arrive,” Palmero said in the release. For the nearest class to your home, contact your local fire department.
• Keep the Area Clear - You should never keep toys, tricycles, or other large toys in the pool area, as they could cause a child to fall into the pool accidentally. The areas surrounding the fence should also be cleared of items that a child could use to climb over the fence.

 “Ultimately pool safety starts with the homeowner, and that’s why we’re hosting a contest to give one lucky family a brand new pool fence,” Palmero said in the release.

To enter, residents must send an email to arizonapoolfence@gmail.com with the subject line “pool safety contest.” They must include their name, phone number, address and a photo of their pool with a brief paragraph on why their family is most in need of a pool fence this summer. All entries must be submitted by May 31, 2024.