Children's Safety Zone

TUCSON – We have a few weeks left in our Kristi’s Kids, News4 Tucson Lifesaver season. Since January 1, 2012, Pima County has seen one child drown in a bathtub.
Another nine kids have nearly drowned.

One is too many so local experts are bringing the Water S.M.A.R.T. Babies program to town.

Created in Broward County, Florida where they’ve recorded up to 12 fatalities in recent years, pediatricians play a key role in saving swimmers’ lives. Along with other educational efforts, Broward County saw a 50% reduction in drownings of 5-year-olds and younger in one year after implementing S.M.A.R.T. Babies.

Dr. Julie Klein is a physician in the Pediatric Emergency Department at Tucson Medical Center. She’s treated many children who’ve nearly drowned.

“Part of what’s heartbreaking is that it is preventable.”

Dr. Klein is excited for Water S.M.A.R.T. Babies which stands for Safety Materials and Rescue Techniques.

Basically, pediatricians write a prescription for swim lessons before a child turns one. While in the past, doctors feared exposing babies to water would eliminate a natural fear of water, new research shows many children have a natural curiosity of water.

In drownings of 1 to 2-year-olds, most of them gained access to a back yard swimming pool without the adult being aware.

“I interpret that as showing that many young toddlers are curious about water,” says Dr. Klein.

The Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona (DPCA) is launching the program here.

“So basically what we want them to do at the 9 or 12 month well check is truly get in and go over this with the parent,” says Tracey Fejt, DPCA Secretary. “And the prescription is for water safety lessons.”

The parents also will receive information about all the layers of drowning prevention from the pediatrician at well baby checks.

Some think that’s what made the Florida program so successful.

“We can talk to people all day about what you need to do. But when it’s coming from a physician, it really makes a difference,” says Fejt.

Dr. Klein agrees. “Seeing something in writing on a prescription pad by the pediatrician that just really makes an impact.”

The idea is to teach a basic survival skill. If babies can learn to flip onto their backs and cry or yell for yelp, that could provide precious seconds for a rescue. Without being taught these skills, they typically sink to the bottom and wait for help.

For more information about the Water S.M.A.R.T. Babies program click here.

MESA, AZ – A 2-year-old child was found unconscious in a back yard spa on Saturday, according to the Mesa Fire Department.

Upon arriving at the location near US60 and Superstition Springs Boulevard, Mesa FD crews found the child breathing, but unconscious.

The child was transported to Cardon Children’s Medical Center for treatment.

BUCKEYE, AZ – A 5-year-old boy died after slipping into a back yard pool during a party in Buckeye Saturday afternoon.

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office said no one had noticed the child going into the pool at a residence near 195th Avenue and Indian School Road.

MCSO said there were family and friends at the residence for a party, and that the boy was found face-down in the pool.

It’s unknown how long he had been underwater.

The boy was transported to a Valley hospital, where was later pronounced dead.

MESA, AZ – It has been a rough Labor Day weekend, as far as drowning-related accidents are concerned. Two out of four children have died in separate drowning-related incidents.

Authorities reported a drowning in Mesa and in Buckeye over the weekend. Both involved backyard pools.

In Mesa, a 3-year old was found in the water near Alma School Road and Southern Avenue.

In Buckeye, a 5-year old drowned in the backyard pool during a party. Authorities said the people there lost track of the child and it was an accident.

There were also two close calls.

In Phoenix, a 10-year old was rushed to the hospital Saturday. The child was in the pool with other children during a birthday party. It’s unclear what caused the child to sink underwater. At last check, the child was expected to survive.

In Mesa, a 2-year old almost drowned in a backyard spa. Authorities say the child was breathing at last check.

Experts encourage everyone to learn CPR. Every second counts during an emergency. They also suggest keeping toys and colorful items out of the water to avoid attracting children.  

Experts also remind us that nothing takes the place of your eyes. Pool fences and swim lessons are preventative but not fool-proof. They say to keep a close eye on children around water.

An unsupervised 3-year-old girl drowned Sunday evening after falling into a pool during a holiday barbeque in Mesa, authorities said.

The Mesa Fire Department was called to the home on the 1000 block of West Frito Avenue about 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

“The child was found in a backyard pool out of adult supervision for an unknown amount of time,” Mesa fire officials said in a statement.

The girl and her parents had been invited to the family’s home for a barbeque, according to Mesa Police Sgt. Tony Landato.

Before dinner, the child had been swimming with the aid of flotation devices, Landato said. The devices were removed as dinner was served, he said.

Sometime afterward, she got into pool, Landato said.

CPR was performed prior to the fire department’s arrival, Landato said. She was transported to an area hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

“The investigation is ongoing, but initial reports indicate criminal charges are unlikely,” Landato said. “Another terrible tragedy.”

Saturday, a 2-year-old Mesa boy was breathing but unconscious after falling into a backyard spa on the 7900 block of East Holmes.

The child was taken to Cardon Children’s Medical Center.