Yuma water safety campaign kicks o Friday
Community organizations partner to increase drowning prevention awareness
The Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance invites the public to learn more about water safety and drowning prevention at the 2024 Water Safety Campaign Launch Party and Fundraiser on Friday.
The event will take place from 5-8 p.m. at Prison Hill Brewing Company, 278 S. Main St.
Proceeds from the event will support water safety education, outreach and messaging throughout Yuma County. Alliance members will be available to answer questions about the alliance and hand out water safety information.
The City of Yuma, Yuma County, Yuma Regional Medical Center and the Liquid Foundation came together to establish the alliance to promote water safety education and reduce the number of drownings in Yuma County.
This swim season residents should expect to see a comprehensive water safety messaging campaign launched throughout Yuma County.
This collaborative initiative brings together a diverse group of community organizations that have combined forces to develop a unified water safety message and campaign, as well as to leverage their individual and collective expertise and resources.
“For the past 15 years I’ve actively contributed to drowning prevention efforts as a member of the Yuma County Health District,” said Ryan Butcher, communications and community engagement coordinator for the Yuma County Public Health Services District.
“My responsibilities involve examining the factors leading to drownings, specifically in Yuma County
youth, and collaborating with various county stakeholders to tackle these challenges.
“Since joining the GYWSA, I’ve witnessed an unprecedented level of expertise and dedication within our diverse community alliance. It’s a privilege to be part of such a remarkable team,” he added.
This month GYWSA rolled out its 2024 water safety campaign, including this year’s tagline: “Anyone can drown. No one should.”
Over the next few months residents will see targeted water safety messaging including a dedicated webpage, social media content, digital billboards, print publications, posters, handouts, as well as videos and public service announcements and interviews.
GYWSA has also developed an elementary school-based water safety curriculum and will promote swim resources and training opportunities offered throughout the community.
This year’s GYWSA’S water safety message focuses on the National Drowning Prevention Association’s five layers of protection which includes barriers and alarms, supervision, water competency/swim skills, life jackets, and emergency preparation. Each layer should be used together when in or around water to reduce the risk of drowning.
In addition to water safety messaging, the GYWSA has two community events planned in the coming weeks, including the campaign launch party and Water nd Safety Day at the Valley Aquatic Center scheduled for Saturday, June 1.
“Drowning is the single leading cause of death in children ages 1-4. As a nurse and a councilmember, it is crucial to respond to this in a way that can reduce the incidence of drowning and promote water safety in our community. Drowning prevention is a subject that touches each one of our lives,” said Councilwoman Carol Smith. “Together, this group of dedicated individuals will work to create a safer environment for everyone around water.”
“For the past six months, the alliance has been actively working together to develop a comprehensive approach to water safety, drowning prevention, swimming education and water awareness for our residents. We are excited to unveil our campaign to the public this month,” said Jennifer Reichelt, deputy city administrator.
“It’s important to remember that anyone can drown, but no one should. Water safety awareness and drowning prevention is a responsibility we all share and together we can help reduce the number of drownings in our community,” she added.
For more information about water safety and GYWSA, visit yumaaz.gov/ watersafety or the City’s Facebook page.