As temperatures continue to rise, the Queen Creek Fire and Medical Department (QCFMD) reminds residents to be safe around water and help prevent drownings. According to the Children Safety Zone, there have been 29 water related incidents in Maricopa and Pinal counties this year, and sadly 9 water related deaths. 

“Drowning is preventable - following the ABCDs of water safety is so important, especially as we head into the Memorial Day weekend,” stated QCFMD Chief Vance Gray. “We encourage all residents to make water safety a priority.” 

ABCDs of water safety:

• Adult supervision
• Barriers between children and water
• Classes in CPR for adults and swim lessons for children
• Devices near water including rescue rings, hooks and lifejackets  

In addition to knowing the ABCDs of water safety, QCFMD has the following tips:

• Always look in the pool first: every second counts when an individual is drowning, and precious time is often wasted looking elsewhere.
• Drowning is silent: many people believe they will hear someone drowning because the individual will be screaming or splashing. However, drowning is silent with the individual unable to make noise.  

If you find someone in any source of water: 

• Yell for help and pull the person out of the water
• Call 9-1-1 immediately
• Begin CPR if you are trained
• If you are not trained to administer CPR, follow the instructions from the 9-1-1 operator until help arrives 

QCFMD offers free CPR classes - the next community class will be on May 31. For more information, visit QueenCreekAZ.gov/CPR. For additional information on drowning statistics and more tips please visit Children’s Safety Zone. 

To learn more about swim lessons, offered through the Queen Creek Parks & Recreation Department, please visit QueenCreekAZ.gov/Recreation. 

For more information about Queen Creek Fire & Medical and additional safety tips, visit QueenCreekAZ.gov/SafetyTips. To stay updated on news and events, follow the Town on Facebook.com/QueenCreek and X.com/TownofQC. To report non-emergency issues, visit QueenCreekAZ.gov/SeeClickFix.

Media Contact: 

Constance Halonen-Wilson

480-358-3195

QCPIO@QueenCreekAZ.gov