Nineteen drowning deaths have been reported so far this year for Pima and Maricopa counties, with the majority being adults. That’s according to the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona. And swimming accidents are on the rise compared with last year, for both adults and children.
Steve Matthews is a franchise owner of Aqua-Tots Swim Schools in Arizona and teaches swimming and safety techniques to children that he says should last into adulthood.
"The big thing that I run into a lot is the difference between being able to just get to the side of a pool and the ability to be able to swim. And they’re two distinct differences," Matthews said.
Matthews is also a former lifeguard and says being able to swim is about reducing impact on the body, at any age and in any situation. He says knowing when to put your head in the water and proper stroke technique are life lessons that can make being in the water enjoyable and keep you safe.
Of the 19 reported deaths so far in 2017, about two-thirds were adult drownings. For 2016, adults accounted for about three-quarters of the drownings in Phoenix.
