Yuma water safety campaign kicks off this month

The City of Yuma, Yuma County, Yuma Regional Medical Center, and the Liquid Foundation have come together to establish the Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance (GYWSA) to promote water safety education and reduce the number of drownings in Yuma County. This swim season residents should expect to see a comprehensive water safety messaging campaign launched throughout Yuma County.

This collaborative initiative brings together a diverse group of community organizations that have combined forces to develop a unified water safety message and campaign, as well as to leverage their individual and collective expertise and resources.

"For the past 15 years I've actively contributed to drowning prevention efforts as a member of the Yuma County Health District," said Ryan Butcher, Communications and Community Engagement Coordinator for the Yuma County Public Health Services District. "My responsibilities involve examining the factors leading to drownings, specifically in Yuma County youth, and collaborating with various county stakeholders to tackle these challenges. Since joining the GYWSA I've witnessed an unprecedented level of expertise and dedication within our diverse community alliance. It's a privilege to be part of such a remarkable team."

This month GYWSA will roll out its 2024 water safety campaign, including this year's tagline: "Anyone can drown. No one should." Over the next few months residents can expect to see targeted water safety messaging including a dedicated webpage, social media content, digital billboards, print publications, posters, handouts, as well as videos and public service announcements, and interviews. GYWSA has also developed an elementary school-based water safety curriculum and will promote swim resources and training opportunities offered throughout the community.

This year's GYWSA's water safety message focuses on the National Drowning Prevention Association's five layers of protection which includes barriers and alarms, supervision, water competency/swim skills, life jackets, and emergency preparation. Each layer should be used together when in or around water to reduce the risk of drowning.

In addition to water safety messaging, the GYWSA has two community events planned in the coming weeks, including a campaign launch party later this month and Water Safety Day at the Valley Aquatic Center scheduled for Saturday, June 1.

"Drowning is the single leading cause of death in children ages 1-4. As a nurse and a councilmember, it is crucial to respond to this in a way that can reduce the incidence of drowning and promote water safety in our community. Drowning prevention is a subject that touches each one of our lives," said Councilmember Carol Smith. "Together, this group of dedicated individuals will work to create a safer environment for everyone around water."

The GYWSA invites the public to learn more about water safety and drowning prevention at its 2024 Water Safety Campaign Launch Party and Fundraiser from 5 - 8 p.m. on Friday, April 19 at Prison Hill Brewing Company, 278 S. Main St. Proceeds from the event will support water safety education, outreach, and messaging throughout Yuma County. GYWSA members will be available to answer questions about the Alliance and to hand out water safety information.

"For the past six months the Alliance has been actively working together to develop a comprehensive approach to water safety, drowning prevention, swimming education, and water awareness for our residents. We are excited to unveil our campaign to the public this month," shared Jennifer Reichelt, Deputy City Administrator. "It's important to remember that anyone can drown, but no one should. Water safety awareness and drowning prevention is a responsibility we all share and together we can help reduce the number of drownings in our community."

For more information about water safety and the GYWSA, visit yumaaz.gov/water safety or the City's Facebook page.

About the Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance

The Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance (GYWSA) was stablished in the fall of 2023, to raise awareness around the importance of water safety education and to reduce the number drownings in the Yuma community. Together, the Alliance has developed a unified water safety message and campaign for the Yuma community.

GYWSA consists of community leaders, healthcare professionals, water safety experts, public safety representatives and concerned citizens who are dedicated to educating the public about the importance of drowning prevention, water safety, and emergency preparedness in and around bodies of water.

Current members/agencies include:

• City of Yuma - Council, Administration, Yuma Fire Department, Yuma Police Department, and Parks & Recreation
• Yuma County - Yuma County Public Health Services District
• Yuma Regional Medical Center
• The Liquid Foundation

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