Local Swim School & Hospital Team Up to Tackle Rising Childhood Drowning Rates

PHOENIX, AZ – November 11, 2025 – In a concerted effort to combat the alarmingly high rate of childhood drownings in Arizona, Aqua-Tots Swim Schools has donated $25,000 to Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s comprehensive Water Safety Program. The partnership aims to expand the hospital’s reach and impact, providing critical education and resources to families across the state.

Arizona consistently ranks among the top states for childhood drowning incidents, a grim statistic that underscores the urgent need for preventative measures. According to data from the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), drowning remains the leading cause of injury-related death for children aged one to four, with rates significantly higher than the national average. Recent incidents, including several tragic cases reported this year, highlight the unpredictable nature of drowning and the importance of vigilance.

“The numbers are sobering,” said a representative from the ADHS. “We see too many preventable tragedies each year. It’s a multi-faceted issue, requiring education, accessibility to swim lessons, and consistent adult supervision.”

The $25,000 donation will directly support the Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s existing Water Safety Program, which provides free water safety kits, “Playing It Safe” workshops, and training for pediatricians across Arizona. These initiatives emphasize multiple layers of protection, including constant adult supervision, installing proper barriers around pools, learning CPR, and utilizing U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices.

“We believe that water safety is a fundamental right, not a privilege,” stated a spokesperson for Phoenix Children’s Hospital. “This generous donation from Aqua-Tots allows us to expand our outreach and equip more families with the knowledge and tools they need to keep their children safe around water.”

Beyond Lessons: A Holistic Approach to Water Safety

The partnership between Aqua-Tots and Phoenix Children’s Hospital goes beyond simply promoting swim lessons. Experts emphasize that a truly effective water safety strategy requires a holistic approach, addressing multiple risk factors and reinforcing preventative measures.

“Swim lessons are incredibly important, but they’re not a foolproof solution,” explained a water safety consultant. “Parents often develop a false sense of security after their children complete lessons. It’s crucial to remember that constant, attentive supervision is the most effective way to prevent drowning.”

The Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s program reflects this understanding, focusing on education and awareness alongside swim lessons. The program’s free water safety kits, for instance, provide practical tips on improving supervision and creating a safe aquatic environment. The “Playing It Safe” workshops, held in partnership with SRP, teach caregivers how to identify and mitigate drowning risks, emphasizing that vigilance is paramount.

Industry-Wide Commitment to Water Safety

The collaboration between Aqua-Tots and Phoenix Children’s Hospital is part of a broader trend within the swim school industry, with many companies actively investing in water safety initiatives. Competitors like Goldfish Swim School and British Swim School are also implementing programs to educate families, promote swim lessons, and advocate for stricter safety regulations.

“We’re seeing a growing awareness within the industry that we have a responsibility to go beyond simply teaching children how to swim,” stated a representative from Goldfish Swim School. “We need to be proactive in promoting water safety and helping families create a safe aquatic environment.”

British Swim School, in particular, emphasizes the importance of a multi-layered approach to water safety, advocating for a combination of swim lessons, barriers, supervision, and CPR training. The company’s “Survival of the Littlest” philosophy underscores the need for constant vigilance and a proactive approach to preventing drowning.

Addressing Accessibility Barriers

While the commitment to water safety is encouraging, experts also acknowledge the need to address accessibility barriers that prevent many children from learning to swim. Cost, transportation, and limited access to swim facilities can all hinder participation in swim lessons, particularly for low-income families and underserved communities.

“We need to ensure that swim lessons are accessible to all children, regardless of their socioeconomic status,” stated a representative from a local community organization. “Financial assistance programs, mobile swim lessons, and partnerships with community centers can all help to bridge the gap.”

Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Aqua-Tots are actively working to address these barriers, offering scholarships and partnering with community organizations to provide free or reduced-cost swim lessons to children in need. The hospital’s pediatrician training program also aims to equip healthcare providers with the tools and resources they need to counsel families on water safety and connect them with affordable swim lesson options.

Looking Ahead: A Collaborative Effort

The partnership between Aqua-Tots Swim Schools and Phoenix Children’s Hospital represents a significant step forward in the fight against childhood drowning in Arizona. By combining the resources and expertise of both organizations, they are able to expand the reach of water safety education and provide critical support to families across the state.

“We’re committed to working with Phoenix Children’s Hospital and other community partners to create a safer aquatic environment for all children,” stated a representative from Aqua-Tots. “This is a collaborative effort, and we’re confident that together we can make a difference.”

The initiative serves as a powerful reminder that water safety is a shared responsibility, requiring the commitment of parents, educators, healthcare providers, and the community as a whole. By working together, they can create a future where all children have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of water safely.