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Pool safety still a high concern, even as summer ends

Swimming pool
Jean Clare Sarmiento/KJZZ

The end of the summer season does not mean people shouldn’t worry about safety around the pool. Public safety officials warn that people should remain on guard to prevent accidental drownings.

The Children’s Safety Zone says 62 deaths have resulted so far this year from water-related incidents in Maricopa and Pinal Counties.

Phoenix Fire Captain Rob McDade says the risks associated with pools persist despite outdoor conditions.

“Whether it’s very hot outside or it's a chilly overcast day, the pool is still a problem in the backyard if we’re not taking the necessary steps to protect our children," he said.

He also says drownings take place despite various prevention efforts.

“We work with the hospitals, we work with outreach, we make sure that we’re bringing in Hispanic leadership to make sure that the message is getting out bilingually into our community, but for some reason, again. the drownings continue to happen," he said.

As a firefighter, McDade has witnessed drownings even when a barrier surrounds the pool. He says such fences provide a false sense of security.

Ignacio Ventura is a reporter for KJZZ. He graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and a minor in news media and society.