Drowning Impact Awareness Month Fact Sheet

  • Drowning Impact Awareness Month (DIAM) began in August 2004 by Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
  • DIAM is the largest collaborative water safety effort in the State of Arizona.
  • June, July, and August are peak times for child drownings in Arizona. Back-to-school distractions in August make it a high-risk month for child drowning.
  • Drowning is a top cause of injury-related death for children in Arizona, especially the one to five-year-old age group.
  • Every child drowning is preventable – but sometimes, little can be done for a child once he or she has fallen into the water. Prevention is the cure, and awareness is free.
  • To prevent child drownings, incorporate many layers of protection and follow the ABC’s of Water Safety:
    • Adult supervision when children have access to water.
    • Barriers between children and water.
    • Classes in CPR for adults, swimming lessons for children at the appropriate age. Coast Guard approved life vests should not only be used in open water, but also for those who don’t know how to swim.
  • DIAM efforts include wearing purple ribbons to remind everyone about water safety and to recognize the impact fatal and non-fatal drownings have had.
  • Locally, purple ribbons are available at hospitals, the health department, fire stations and participating swim schools.
  • DIAM proclamations are signed by the Governor, Board of Supervisors and Mayors across the state of Arizona.
  • For more information, visit the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona’s website: www.preventdrownings.org

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