Volunteers needed for Chandler water safety campaign

Chandler fire fighters are seeking volunteers to join them in adoor-to-door campaign March 26 to pass out flyers in an effort toincrease safety around water and prevent tragic incidents.

The goal of the campaign – from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. that Saturday -is to educate residents about the importance of careful supervisionof children around water. It’s in response to a recent high numberof water-related incidents involving infants and small children inChandler.

Since 2008, Chandler has had 37 water-related incidents andsince Dec. 26, has had five including one that resulted in afatality in February, according to information from the ChandlerFire Department. Of the nine water-related incidents last year,five required CPR.

Chandler fire personnel are urging parents to lock the gates offences around pools, and when there are activities at homeinvolving water to constantly supervise kids.

“The majority of our drowning calls are to good homes with goodparents, where a combination of circumstances and opportunity cometogether to create a tragic event,” said battalion chief Val GaleJr. “Unfortunately, we have experienced more of these types ofcalls than normal recently and want to make sure we get the messageout: Secure water sources, supervise our children, teach thechildren to swim and learn CPR.”

Chandler Fire Chief Jeff Clark set an ambitious goal of sharingthe message with every household in the city. He is appealing toall segments of the community to assist in this effort, includingscouting groups, churches, businesses, service clubs and otherorganizations.

“We are counting on the good people of Chandler to step up andmake a difference,” Clark said.

Anyone who wishes to participate in the neighborhood walksshould call (480) 782-2122 prior to March 26. Volunteers mustprovide their own transportation to the neighborhood they areassigned.

Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or adult.

Individuals or groups that cannot participate on March 26 butwould still like to help are asked to call (480) 782-2122. ChandlerFire Department staff will assign a neighborhood and provide thematerials noted above. The volunteers can then walk thatneighborhood at their convenience.

Additional water safety tips and drowning prevention informationis available on the fire department website atwww.chandleraz.gov/fire.