In 2024, Maricopa County experienced more drownings than in any of the previous five years. To combat this crisis, Child Crisis Arizona – a leading non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the well-being and safety of children and families – is partnering with Salt River Project (SRP), State Farm, and the 493 Firefighter Foundation on its 4th Annual Pool Fence Safety Program.
Through this initiative, now through April 4, Child Crisis Arizona welcomes parents or caregivers who are financially unable to afford pool barriers and have young children to apply for a free pool fence.
Families living in Maricopa County can apply for a free pool fence if they meet certain eligibility criteria. With applications available in both English and Spanish, those interested can apply on the organization’s website, childcrisisaz.org/what-we-do/pool-fence-program.
Eligibility requirements:
• Must have a child age 6 or under living in the home.
• Home must be owner-occupied; renters are not eligible.
• Family must reside within Maricopa County.
• Family must be income-qualified; participation in one of the following assistance programs will be used to verify income eligibility: Food Stamps, Medicaid, WIC, Energy Assistance, or Unemployment.
• If the family is not enrolled in one of the assistance programs, household income will be considered, and their 2024 tax return will be used to verify eligibility.
“Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 and remains among the top five causes of death for children ages 5 to 9,” said Caitlin Sageng, senior program director at Child Crisis Arizona. “Child Crisis Arizona is home to Safe Kids Maricopa County, the local chapter for a worldwide organization aiming to prevent childhood injury and death. This Pool Fence Safety Program, which last year awarded 15 families a new pool fence, is focused on making an actionable difference in preventing child drownings in our community.”
In addition to providing free pool fences, the Child Crisis Arizona Pool Fence Safety Program educates parents and caregivers on water safety through a Virtual Water Safety Workshop led by a Safe Kids Maricopa County coordinator, which is open throughout the year to all families.
"Water safety is a top priority for SRP," said Rori Minor, SRP's community engagement strategist. "As the need for water safety resources grows, we remain committed to supporting our community. Through our partnership with Child Crisis Arizona and other organizations, we provide pool fences and educational resources to families, helping to create a safer environment for children around water.”
"Our mission at State Farm is to help build safer, stronger, better-educated communities. This is why we are proud to support the Pool Fence Safety Program," said Tyrone Jones, Corporate Responsibility Analyst at State Farm. "We believe all families should have access to the resources that keep their children safe, regardless of income level."
The total sponsorship for the program is $45,000, with $25,000 funded by SRP and $10,000 by State Farm. The 493 Firefighter Foundation pledges to raise $10,000 to support the program.
