If a mama grizzly is formidable, then just call Cheyenne Arreola a nana grizzly.
Arreola knocked on doors last weekend to beg, plead and educate neighbors about the risks of child drowning.
Arreola, whose grandson suffered extensive brain injuries after nearly drowning at a summer camp in 2009, helped organize the city’s first annual citywide water walk with Safe Kids Tucson.
Roughly 75 volunteers knocked on doors throughout Pima County, reminding families to stay vigilant around water now that warmer weather is here. The volunteers estimated they connected with roughly 4,800 families, handing out tips to prevent child drowning. Tucson Medical Center is the lead agency for Safe Kids Tucson.
Volunteers handed out information promoting ABC’s of Water Safety, with A=Adults, B=Barriers and C=Classes.
Arreola said she not only rounded up volunteers for upcoming water safety events, but also spread the word to families who appreciated the information. “One family’s comment was that it was very timely because they were going to have a pool party that afternoon,” she said.
“It really is such an issue and it affects so many people.”
KVOA and KOLD both ran stories about the effort. To see the coverage, click the links below:
For more information about water safety, visit
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