August is Drowning Awareness Month in Fountain Hills, throughout Valley

Fountain Hills Mayor Wally Nichols joins fellow Mayors from throughout the Valley in issuing a proclamation declaring August as Drowning Impact Awareness Month. The project, spearheaded by Phoenix Children's Hospitalwas implemented to raise awareness of the impact drownings and water related incidents have on our community.

According to the Phoenix Children's Hospital, Arizona is the #2 state in the nation for child drownings. They have chosen August as Drowning Impact Awareness Month because it is the most dangerous month of the year. Drowningis the second most common cause of injury for children in the state of Arizona. And it is completely preventable.

To date there have been 114 water related incidents throughout the Metro Phoenix area. 74 of those were children and 40 adults. These incidents have resulted in 35 fatalities, 11 of those were children. Fortunately there have been no incidents in Fountain Hills. But it is up to us as Fountain Hills residents to continue to promote awareness and prevent future incidents from happening.

The Phoenix Children's Hospital is asking people throughout Maricopa County to recognize drowning awareness month by wearing purple ribbons throughout the month. They will be displaying more than 800 ribbons tied to trees in front of the hospital. One for each child in Maricopa County involved in a water related incident since 2001. Click Here for a list of locations where you can pick up a ribbon.

They offer an ABC's of Water Safety Checklist to help you better understand water safety and what you can do prevent drownings.

You can also sign up for free CPR training class offered through Fountain Hills Parks and Recreation Department. The next class will be held on September 8, 2007 from 9am to noon at the Fountain Hills Community Center. For more information, contact Fountain Hills Parks and Recreation at 480-816-5151 or register online.