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-Editorial
With summer temperatures rising and more families heading to pools and waterways, the Greater Yuma Water Safety Alliance (GYWSA) is emphasizing the importance of water safety by promoting the National Drowning Prevention Association’s (NDPA) Five Layers of Protection. This week, the Alliance is highlighting the first two layers: barriers and alarms, and close, constant, capable supervision.
Barriers such as fences, self-latching gates, pool covers, and door alarms are considered a critical first line of defense against unsupervised water access. According to the NDPA, 70% of child drownings occur when a pool or spa is not actively in use. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends four-sided fencing that fully separates pools from homes and other structures. These fences should be at least 48 inches high, with vertical bars spaced no more than four inches apart and designed to prevent climbing or crawling underneath.
Alarm systems provide an additional safety layer. These include gate alarms, surface and underwater pool alarms, motion-activated perimeter alarms, and wearable child alarms that activate when wet. Homeowners are encouraged to consult professionals to select and install alarm systems tailored to their property.
Pool safety covers and nets, when properly secured after each swim session, are also effective in preventing accidental drownings. Power-operated covers offer added security, though all types must be used consistently and correctly.
Supervision is the most critical safeguard. GYWSA stresses the importance of adult supervision at all times, particularly for infants and toddlers who should remain within arm’s reach. Families are urged to establish clear rules for water supervision and ensure that all guests and caregivers understand them.
“Layers of protection save lives,” said Yuma Police Department Sergeant Lori Franklin. “Barriers help keep children out of harm’s way, alarms alert you to dangers you may not see, and active supervision gives you the front-row seat to act immediately when needed. Our children are worth every layer.”
A designated Water Watcher — a responsible adult assigned to monitor children in and around water — plays a vital role. Water Watchers must remain attentive, avoid distractions like phones or alcohol, and should rotate with other adults to maintain consistent supervision throughout gatherings.
GYWSA reminds the public that drowning is quick, silent, and preventable. By implementing a combination of physical barriers, technology, and active oversight, families can significantly reduce the risk and keep water activities safe this summer.