Imagine a world with swim-ready children.

Did you know that Arizona State is listed within the top 10 states with the highest drowning incidents?

Drowning continues to be a leading cause of accidental death among children around the globe. Tragically, more children aged 1 to 4 lose their lives to drowning than to any other cause. For those between the ages of 5 and 14, drowning ranks as the second leading cause of accidental death, with only motor vehicle crashes surpassing it. In the United States alone, around 4,000 fatal accidental drownings occur each year, which breaks down to nearly 11 lives lost every day. These numbers serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for water safety education and prevention efforts to protect our children.

While it may not seem like a staggering figure at first glance, the reality is that there are over 8,000 non-fatal drownings each year. This translates to approximately 22 children facing near-drowning incidents every single day. Though these incidents do not result in death, the consequences can be dire, often leading to significant brain damage and long-term health issues, not to mention the financial burden of costly hospital stays.

In our community, many children are left without access to affordable swimming lessons or swimming facilities, which places them at an increased risk of drowning. This situation is not just a statistic; it’s a pressing issue that demands our immediate attention and action. We must come together to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn to swim and stay safe in the water.