Opinion
www.SanTanSun.com
May 7 - 20, 2016
43
Community Commentaries
Supervise your children around water this summer BY DENNY BARNEY
When I married my wife and asked her to return home to Arizona with me, her agreement required my promise to live near a swimming pool. I followed Denny Barney through on that promise, and the pool has helped my whole family get through the summer heat. Summer fun in the pool is a big part of how we recreate here in Arizona. As thousands of Maricopa County residents kick off Memorial Day and a summer break from school, we must remember that fun can turn to tragedy in a matter of seconds. All of us have been touched by someone having a water-related accident. Gov. Doug Ducey recently proclaimed May 2016 as Water Safety Month, and I want to encourage you to make water safety a part of your family’s summer. Maricopa County’s many backyard swimming pools put us at high risk for drowning tragedies. We must teach children and their caregivers fundamental water safety skills and remain vigilant when children are around water. Here are some things you can do to help keep everyone safe: • Proper supervision is critical. A recent report by the Arizona Department of Health Services recounted that the youngest children, infants to age 4, were most often in the care of a parent or grandparent when a life-threatening pool incident occurred. As the parent of four children, I know how easy it can be to be distracted by another child or a phone call, but when it comes to children and water, nothing requires our attention more than the children’s safety. Never leave a child unattended in or near water—and don’t assume someone else is watching the child.
Chandler keeps roadways connected and safe
• Pool barriers must be used properly and be in working order to provide safety. A pool fence that is not locked or does not latch properly doesn’t provide a barrier and may serve as an enticement to a young child. State law and local ordinances require various criteria for pool barriers. But the pool barrier can’t do the job if it isn’t used properly, such as a propped open gate. • Swim lessons should be part of every family’s water safety plan. Ensuring that every child can swim is critical with all of the backyard pools, water parks, community pools, and lakes in our region. But no child is ever truly “water-safe” and lessons for the children may not be enough. You should be able to provide a safe environment for yourself and the children. Basic water safety and swimming lessons can be taught at an early age, but you are never too old to improve your own swimming abilities. Adult and youth lessons are available at municipal pools, YMCAs and through other organizations. • Teach children to enjoy the water but also to respect the dangers it can pose. Even if you don’t have a pool, your family will likely be near the water at some point this summer. Think of biking along a canal, fishing off a dock or relaxing at the beach. In all of these scenarios a nonswimmer could enter the water unexpectedly. Children should learn to respect fenced properties, to obey warning signs, and to listen to lifeguards. Suitable flotation devices should also be worn where recommended. I equate summertime with happy memories of spending time with family and friends. No family’s memories should involve a water-related tragedy. I wish you all a happy, healthy and safe summer. Denny Barney is a Gilbert resident and a member of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.
several arterial street crossings. As Chandler continues its This past year, I efforts to grow and sustain continued to follow the new its bike-friendly status, it’s construction plan for the important that we all do our South Mountain Freeway part to ensure safe travels for section of Loop 202. I, everyone. One accident is one along with Councilman too many! I’ve had friends Kevin Hartke, advocated hit by distracted drivers, and for the incorporation of a Chandler recently lost a runner safe route for bicyclists and and cyclist. It’s important to use pedestrians in partnership Councilman Rick Heumann common sense and follow all with other cities and traffic laws when using roadways local organizations. This and multiuse paths. Some basic multiuse path will be built as part of the rules to follow include: freeway project to create a regional bike • don’t use cellphones and pedestrian facility that will enhance • don’t drive aggressively existing amenities. • stop at crosswalks Chandler knows the importance of • don’t jay walk well-designed streets, roads and bike/ • keep a safe distance from cyclists and pedestrian paths. The staff follows the other motorists 2010 City of Chandler Transportation • and, most importantly, keep your Master Plan to fulfill the goal of providing eyes on the road a fully connected city by improving roads Regardless of the type of transportation and bike lanes. Collaboration with cyclists used, being aware of your surroundings will and neighboring communities plays an increase safety and decrease injuries and important role in ensuring Chandler stays fatalities. properly connected to the regional bike “A key safety component to cycling route system. Transportation plans need or running in the roadway is to be highly to incorporate safety for our residents visible. It is good practice to use lights and whether they drive a vehicle, ride a bike high visibility reflective clothing especially or walk. when worn on parts of the body that This past year, five new bike lanes move,” said Police Chief Sean Duggan. “We were completed. The staff is working on encourage residents to take these basic projects that will improve northbound and precautions and help us avoid tragedies southbound routes and complete missing from occurring.” segments of bike lanes along sections I’m an avid cyclist, and I strongly believe of Ray, Price and Frye roads. In the near in wearing appropriate clothing and safety future, bike lanes planned along Kyrene and gear. “Do whatever you can to be seen,” says McClintock roads will connect to bike lanes Dr. Dale Steiner, a local cyclist. “Whether leading into Tempe. someone is riding during the day or at night, Commuter bicyclists wanting direct it’s important to wear ankle reflectors and connections to major employers and place flashing lights on clothing and bikes.” retail centers are able to use bike lanes Be safe out there! To learn more about located along arterial streets. The sharing the roadways, visit azbikeped.org. Paseo Trail and Western Canal provide For more information on the city’s Bicycle multi-use paths for those looking for a and Pedestrian Plan, or to learn about recreational cycling experience. Bike/ future transportation opportunities, visit pedestrian crossing signals are located at chandleraz.gov/transportation.
BY COUNCILMAN RICK HEUMANN
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