News Summary
A recent drowning incident involving a 1-year-old girl in Phoenix raises alarms about the risks young children face near water. Emergency responders found her alert but in need of hospital care. Drowning remains a leading cause of death for ages 1-4, emphasising the importance of water safety. The CDC recommends constant supervision, barriers, and life jackets to prevent such tragedies. This incident adds to a troubling list, reminding caregivers to be vigilant around water—a reality underscored by similar past tragedies.
Phoenix, Arizona – A tragic incident involving a 1-year-old girl has brought attention to the alarming risks of drowning for young children in Arizona. Emergency responders were called to an apartment complex near 35th Avenue and Dobbins Road after reports of a drowning. Upon arrival, paramedics found the girl alert and breathing but transported her to the hospital due to serious, though non-life-threatening, injuries. The child was not under supervision at the time of the incident, prompting an ongoing investigation by local police.
Drowning remains the leading cause of death for children aged 1-4 years, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC reports that an average of three children dies each day in the United States due to drowning. This disturbing statistic underscores the vital importance of water safety, especially during warmer months when children are more likely to be around pools or open water.
The CDC recommends several safety measures to prevent drowning incidents including educating both children and adults on life-saving skills, installing barriers such as pool fences, ensuring that children wear life jackets, and maintaining constant supervision of young children in and around water, free from distractions.
This recent incident echoes the story of another young boy, Sebastian, who suffered life-altering injuries in a drowning accident last year. During a family vacation in Southern California, Sebastian was discovered unresponsive in a pond. He was rushed to Phoenix Children’s Hospital where he was placed on life support but later began breathing independently. Now, at nearly three years old, he faces significant challenges including blindness and reliance on a G-tube for nutrition. His family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help cover ongoing therapy costs.
First responders often face emotional challenges when responding to drowning calls. The psychological toll can be substantial, leading to the involvement of chaplains who provide support for firefighters impacted by such distressing events.
A similar tragedy occurred in Chandler, Arizona, where a 3-year-old boy named Trigg Kiser was found unconscious in a backyard pool. Emergency responders discovered him on May 12, 2025, and immediately performed CPR before transporting him to a hospital. Unfortunately, Trigg remained in critical condition until he passed away six days later. The investigation into his drowning continues, but Chandler police are withholding further details to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.
Statistically, Arizona has a concerningly high rate of unintentional drowning deaths compared to the national average. In the Phoenix Valley alone, there have been 79 reported drowning and near-drowning incidents over the past year, with 21 of those resulting in fatalities. These statistics highlight the persistent risk that pools and other bodies of water pose to young children.
May is designated as National Water Safety Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the risks of drowning and the importance of water safety. Authorities recommend that families actively engage in learning safety skills and taking preventive measures as a collective responsibility to protect children from the dangers associated with water.
The string of recent incidents serves as a sobering reminder for parents and caregivers to remain vigilant when children are near water. Ensuring adequate supervision and implementing safety protocols can significantly reduce the risk of drowning accidents and help to save lives.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 10 Phoenix: Arizona Family’s Story of Resilience Highlights Drowning Dangers
- Wikipedia: Drowning
- KTAR News: Extremely Critical Pool Incident
- Google Search: Drowning Prevention
- USA Today: 3-Year-Old Chandler, Arizona Drowning Incident
- Google Scholar: Drowning Statistics
- ABC News: Influencer Emilie Kiser’s Son Dies from Drowning Injuries
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drowning Prevention
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
