Chandler Launches Winter Drowning Prevention Campaign

More than 20% of Chandler’s Drowning Calls Happen

During Winter Months

As our desert temperatures cool and residents shift their attention away from summer heat, The Chandler Police Department is urging the community to remain vigilant around pools, lakes, canals and other bodies of water.

Despite the common perception that water-related incidents decrease once summer ends, winter remains a surprisingly dangerous time for submersion incidents in Arizona.

Since 2015, emergency crews in Chandler have responded to 97 drowning-related calls, and 20 of those incidents occurred between November – February. A period many assume to be low-risk.

Water doesn’t stop being hazardous just because it’s cold outside. “Chandler is a community that has a lot of neighborhood lakes and a lot of our residents have pools. And with our snowbird community that come into town, it’s important to not let our guard down about these things so we can be safe around water this time of year,” Chandler Police Sergeant Ricky Gonzales says.

This is why the Chandler Police and Fire Departments are launching a social media campaign to bring awareness to winter drowning risks.

“As we approach the winter months, we have things that are going on. We have Thanksgiving and Christmas. We have things that can distract us in our homes,” says Chandler Fire Battalion Chief Blas Minor. “It our responsibility, not just the parents, but everybody in this community to keep our children safe when it comes to water safety,” Minor says.

Over the next few months, The Chandler Police Department will post videos to its social media accounts with tips and water survival skills. The idea is to do our part in proactive education and create drowning awareness during a time not often considered for this topic.

Why Winter Drownings Happen

1. Year-round swimming culture:
Arizona’s mild winter weather means some residents continue using heated pools or spas. Even when pools aren’t actively in use, they remain accessible.

2. Holiday visitors and Snowbirds:
Families often host guests during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. The valley’s population increases with snowbirds who only live in the area during our winter months. Children unfamiliar with backyard pools or local canals are particularly vulnerable.

3. Reduced vigilance:
Because people associate drownings with summer, adults tend to pay less attention around water in winter months, creating opportunities for accidents.

Officers Emphasize Continued Safety Measures

Chandler Public Safety officials stress that constant, capable supervision remains the most critical preventive measure, regardless of season. Additional steps include:

  • Ensuring pool fences, gates, and latches are secure year-round.
  • Removing toys and objects that may attract children to pool areas.
  • Keeping spas and hot tubs covered when not in use.
  • Educating holiday visitors about water hazards.