Child Crisis Arizona and Partners Award Local Families Free Pool Fences

(PHOENIX – October 30, 2025) – Child Crisis Arizona – in partnership with SRP, State Farm, the Independent Pool & Spa Service Association, Inc., and local firefighter charities – is pleased to announce seven local families across the Valley as the recipients of its Fall Pool Fence Program. In the span of two weeks, pool fences have found their place in each of the family’s backyards, providing safety and peace of mind. These households include families who are in the process of adopting foster children as well as those with an autistic child in the home. The pool fences completed in recent weeks are in addition to the 18 installed through the program this past spring. Now in its 4th year, its mission is to equip families with the vital protection they deserve, free of charge.

“Drowning remains the leading cause of death of children 1 to 4 years old and among the top five causes of death for children ages 5 to 9 years old,” said Caitlin Sageng, senior program director at Child Crisis Arizona. “Given our weather, roughly one in three Phoenix homes has a backyard pool, with many using it year-round. With this year-round benefit, however, comes year-round danger, which led to us expanding this program to provide additional pool fences in the fall to families in need.”

In 2024, Maricopa and Pinal counties recorded 79 drowning deaths, the highest total since local tracking began in 2005. Through October 2025, there were 46 drowning fatalities across those counties, underscoring that risk continues beyond summer.

“Together, these figures make a clear case for year-round vigilance – layers of protection, swim lessons, and constant, distraction-free supervision – whenever water is nearby,” said Sageng.

Partner organizations echoed the importance of collaboration and prevention:

“At SRP, we understand that drownings aren’t limited to the summer months. Pools can be dangerous all year long,” said Rori Minor, SRP Community Engagement Strategist. “That’s why we continue to support water safety efforts in our community. Child Crisis Arizona has been a great partner in furthering prevention efforts, and we’re proud to support the initiative again as it grows to protect even more families.”

“State Farm is deeply committed to helping families prevent the unexpected,” said Tyrone Jones, State Farm Corporate Responsibility Analyst. “Through this partnership, we’re empowering parents and caregivers with peace of mind, knowing their little ones can safely enjoy the Arizona sunshine all year long.”

“As pool professionals, we know that proper barriers save lives,” said Chuck Schoch, President of the Independent Pool & Spa Service Association, Inc. (East Valley Chapter). “We’re honored to use our skills to make that difference. It’s about giving back, family to family, to make sure every child can grow up safe 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.

Together with SRP, State Farm, the Independent Pool & Spa Service Association, Inc., and local firefighter charities, Child Crisis Arizona is committed to helping solve the community problem of child drownings and to stepping up and leading the mission toward measurable change.

About Child Crisis Arizona
Since 1977, Child Crisis Arizona has served vulnerable children and families in Arizona and is committed to preventing child abuse and neglect through education and intervention. Child Crisis Arizona offers emergency shelter and residential care for children and youth from birth to 21 and offers foster care and adoption services, early education as well communitywide parenting classes, workshops, support groups and much more. Child Crisis Arizona has positively impacted nearly 136,000 children and families since its inception. Visit www.childcrisisaz.org to learn more.