Before the summer swimming season winds down, Maricopa families can brush up on lifesaving skills during Water Safety Day later this month.  

Hosted by the Maricopa Water Safety Coalition in partnership with Maricopa Fire and Medical Department, Maricopa Police Department and Copper Sky lifeguards, the free event begins 10 a.m. July 25 at Copper Sky Aquatic Center. It will feature hands-on drowning prevention training, CPR demonstrations and a mock water rescue, city officials told InMaricopa. 

Drowning remains the leading cause of death for Arizona children ages 1 to 4, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. The state’s 2024 Child Fatality Review reported 36 drowning deaths, a nearly 16% increase from the previous year. Three-quarters of those children were younger than 5. 

MFMD have long stressed that adult supervision, pool barriers, swim lessons and life jackets are the strongest defenses against drowning. 

The event opens with a sensory-friendly hour from 10 to 11 a.m. featuring pool-free interactive activities such as CPR demonstrations. 

The first 10 guests will receive a free drowning prevention bag donated by Phoenix Children’s Hospital. The event also features interactive safety booths and a raffle for life vests and fittings, sponsored by Arizona Game & Fish Department and the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona.