Gilbert family awarded free pool fence

Gilbert residents Melissa  and Thomas McKenna, are a couple whose journey is woven with dedication and service.

Thomas, a sergeant first class, has served in the Army for nearly two decades and is serving in the Army National Guard. Alongside their six children, two of whom are under the age of 5, their home resonates with the energy of a bustling household.

Yet there was a vital safety feature their home lacked — a pool fence.

"Drowning remains the leading cause of death of children 1 to 4 years old and remains among the top five causes of death for children ages 5 to 9 years old," emphasizes Caitlin Sageng, senior program director at Child Crisis Arizona. "In response to this urgent need, three years ago, we partnered with SRP and the United Phoenix Firefighters Charities, now known as the 493 Firefighter Foundation, to pioneer the Pool Fence Safety Program.

"Our mission? To equip families like the McKennas with the vital protection they deserve, free of charge."

While no single measure can avert such tragedies, the program strives to create multiple layers of defense, surrounding children with safety.

This year, Child Crisis Arizona announced the McKennas and 10 other Valley families are recipients of pool fences. In the span of two weeks, these fences have found their place in these 11 backyards, providing safety and peace of mind.

These households include families where the grandparents serve as primary caregivers, single-parent households, and households where children are in the adoption process.

“SRP is deeply committed to improving water safety for the children and families of our community,” said Rori Minor, SRP community engagement strategist. “As the largest provider of water in the Valley for the past century, continuing our efforts to improve water safety is a top priority not only for us, but also for the 1 million people we serve.

"Through our partnership with Child Crisis Arizona, we hope to educate families and provide quality resources to help keep our children safe and comfortable around water.”

In addition to hosting the Pool Fence Safety program, Child Crisis Arizona is also home to Safe Kids Maricopa County, a local chapter of a worldwide organization aiming to prevent childhood injury and death.

Through this program, Child Crisis Arizona offers dozens of no-cost, online, and in-person safety courses including their virtual Water Safety Workshop available online at childcrisisaz.org.

Some fast facts from the Child Crisis Arizona Pool Fence Safety Program for all caregivers include:

• A pool fence should surround all sides of the pool and be at least five feet tall with self-closing and self-latching gates.
• Make sure that all furniture is on the inside of the pool fence so that children cannot use it to climb over the fence.
• Ensure that the pool gate is always properly latched and closed and that it is not broken.
• Children should not be able to go under, over, or around the pool fence.
• Children can be small enough to fit through a doggie door when parents are not aware. Lock doggie doors so that it creates a barrier between the child and water.
• Never allow a child to sit on or next to a drain. Teach your child not to swim or play near the drain.
• Swim with a partner. Keep young children and weak swimmers within arm’s reach of an adult. Make sure older children swim with a partnr every time.

“This year we have already seen a record number of drownings,” said David Ramirez, city of Phoenix firefighter and 493 Foundation program director. “I can’t stress enough how crucial it is to keep an eye on children around any body of water at all times. Not only swimming pools but also small plastic pools and tubs.

"This paired with safety barriers, and teaching kids early water survival skills are the greatest lines of defense against drownings.”

Alongside their six children, two of whom are under the age of 5, their home resonates with the energy of a bustling household.

Yet, amidst their daily hustle, there was a vital safety feature their home lacked — a pool fence.

"Drowning remains the leading cause of death of children 1 to 4 years old and remains among the top five causes of death for children ages 5 to 9 years old," emphasizes Caitlin Sageng, Senior Program Director at Child Crisis Arizona. "In response to this urgent need, three years ago, we partnered with SRP and the United Phoenix Firefighters Charities, now known as the 493 Firefighter Foundation, to pioneer the Pool Fence Safety Program. Our mission? To equip families like the McKenna’s with the vital protection they deserve, free of charge."

While no single measure can single-handedly avert such tragedies, the program strives to create multiple layers of defense, surrounding children with safety.

This year, Child Crisis Arizona is pleased to announce the McKenna’s and 10 other Valley-wide families are recipients of pool fences. In the span of two weeks, these fences have found their place in these eleven backyards, providing safety and peace of mind. These households include families where the grandparents serve as primary caregivers, single-parent households, and households where children are in the adoption process.

“SRP is deeply committed to improving water safety for the children and families of our community,” says Rori Minor, SRP Community Engagement Strategist. “As the largest provider of water in the Valley for the past century, continuing our efforts to improve water safety is a top priority not only for us, but also for the 1 million people we serve. Through our partnership with Child Crisis Arizona, we hope to educate families and provide quality resources to help keep our children safe and comfortable around water.”

In addition to hosting the Pool Fence Safety program, Child Crisis Arizona is also home to Safe Kids Maricopa County, a local chapter of a worldwide organization aiming to prevent childhood injury and death. Through this program, Child Crisis Arizona offers dozens of no-cost, online, and in-person safety courses including their virtual Water Safety Workshop available online at childcrisisaz.org.

Fast facts from the Child Crisis Arizona Pool Fence Safety Program for all caregivers:

• A pool fence should surround all sides of the pool and be at least five feet tall with self-closing and self-latching gates.
• Make sure that all furniture is on the inside of the pool fence so that children cannot use it to climb over the fence.
• Ensure that the pool gate is always properly latched and closed and that it is not broken.
• Children should not be able to go under, over, or around the pool fence.
• Children can be small enough to fit through a doggie door when parents are not aware. Lock doggie doors so that it creates a barrier between the child and water.
• Never allow a child to sit on or next to a drain. Teach your child not to swim or play near the drain.
• Swim with a partner. Keep young children and weak swimmers within arm’s reach of an adult. Make sure older children swim with a partner every time.

“This year we have already seen a record number of drownings,” said David J. Ramirez, City of Phoenix firefighter and 493 Foundation Program Director. “I can’t stress enough how crucial it is to keep an eye on children around any body of water at all times. Not only swimming pools but also small plastic pools and tubs. This paired with safety barriers, and teaching kids early water survival skills are the greatest lines of defense against drownings.”

Together, Child Crisis Arizona, SRP, and 493 Firefighter Foundation are committed to helping solve the community problem of child drownings and to stepping up and leading the mission toward measurable change.