Water Safety Concerns in Gilbert, AZ: What Every Parent Should Know
Spending time in or on the water is a favorite pastime for families in Gilbert, AZ. Whether you are headed to the Gilbert Regional Splash Pad, Greenfield Pool, or Canyon Lake, ensuring a safe and outstanding day begins with understanding and preparing for the unique risks and water safety concerns of your intended destination.
Public Pools, Water Parks & Splash Pads: Crowded & High-Energy Environments
Popular cool-down spots for families include Water Tower Plaza, Gilbert Regional Park Splash Pad, Discovery Park Splash Pad, and Greenfield Pool. Older families may prefer Freestone Park, the Mesquite Aquatic Center, or Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Phoenix. Be prepared for crowded conditions and a variety of water features, depending on your location.
Crowded Conditions
There is no avoiding large crowds at pools and water parks in the summer. Take time to help children learn how to navigate crowds safely to avoid accidents, slips, and collisions in and around the water.
Splash Pad Safety
Splash pads offer a less stressful and safer environment for young children. However, parents and kids still need to be careful of slippery surfaces and understand the water features that might startle younger kids. Be sure toddlers stay close and away from water play areas with deeper water.
Fast-Moving Attractions
Water slides, wave pools, and many other attractions can disorient and overwhelm younger and inexperienced swimmers. Be sure to stay in areas appropriate for your child’s size and swim skills.
Supervision Is Key
Even though most public pools and water attractions will have lifeguarded areas, nothing compares to close supervision by a responsible adult. Learn more about how to be an effective “water watcher” from resources like the American Red Cross and Water Safety USA, and help reduce the risks associated with water activities.
Backyard & Apartment Complex Pools: Hidden Dangers at Home
It’s always a good idea to know where pools and hot tubs near your home or vacation spot are located and protected. This includes educating your children about the dangers of playing in or near irrigation ditches and canals.
Lack of Lifeguards
Unlike public pools, most private pools in backyards, apartment complexes, and even hotels aren’t equipped with lifeguards. Proper adult supervision is a critical part of enjoying backyard pool fun.
Gates & Fencing
The state of Arizona has laws in place regarding proper fencing and pool barriers. However, not every pool your child may encounter is guaranteed to have the proper precautions. Emphasize to your children that it is never appropriate to approach or enter a pool without proper supervision, regardless of whether it has fencing or locks.
Slippery Surfaces
Open spaces often tempt excited children to run and roughhouse. You can help prevent slipping and other injuries on concrete and wooden deck areas by making sure everyone walks and plays with caution.
Cold Water Shock
Even in summer, pool water can be colder than you might expect. Cold water shock is an automatic set of responses that might cause a child to inhale water or be unable to swim effectively for a few moments. Advise children to be cautious and enter the water slowly.
Saguaro Lake & Canyon Lake: Open Water Risks
Be sure to pack your bags and emergency preparedness skills when you’re on the way to the lake, with specific considerations to keep your family safe.
Deep Water Drop-Offs
In both Saguaro and Canyon Lake, you can encounter areas where the water depth changes suddenly. Keep your kids close to shore in designated swim zones and ensure they wear US Coast Guard-approved life jackets in deeper water.
Boat & Jet Ski Traffic
Boating and jet skis are popular recreational activities in both lakes. These motorized crafts create unpredictable waves and undercurrents as they pass by. Children must stay within safely designated swim zones to avoid accidents.
Cold Water Temperatures
As mentioned before, large bodies of water in Arizona can often be colder than you would expect, despite the heat and sun. Be cautious and aware to avoid cold water shock, cramping, and other reactions to the cold.
Unpredictable Conditions
Always check the weather before heading out, but keep an eye on the skies and the strength of afternoon winds that may cause stronger waves and currents that younger or inexperienced swimmers may not be prepared for.
Salt River & Verde River: Fast-Moving Water Hazards
You can also head for a different type of fun on the Salt or Verde Rivers, as long as you are prepared and cautious.
Strong Currents
Both rivers have areas with swift currents, especially during or after dam releases. Stay with your group and be aware that swimmers and tubers can be unexpectedly moved downstream faster than anticipated.
Hidden Debris
Submerged rocks, branches, and even man-made debris can remain unseen beneath the water. These hazards can cause injury or restrict your movement.
Flash Flood Risks
Monsoon season and desert storms can create sudden water surges from miles away. Always check the weather and water conditions before heading out, and heed any flash flood warnings even if you don’t see any immediate danger.
Cold Water Shock
Yes, even in the scorching heat of Arizona summers, moving water is often colder than expected. River water poses the highest risks for cold water shock, cramping, and lower body temperatures, making swimming difficult.
Seasonal Weather Hazards in the East Valley
Afternoon Monsoons
Monsoons are often a welcome part of life in the desert, but they can arrive suddenly, bringing lightning, high winds, and dangerous conditions where it is unwise to remain in any body of water.
Flash Flooding
Flash flooding from rapid rainfall or changes in vegetation due to forest fires can occur even when the problem begins miles away from your home or recreational area. Stay alert and heed warnings in mountainous areas and along rivers and washes.
Extreme Heat Risks
Heading for water is a time-honored way to cool off in the summer, but remember that it doesn’t take away the risks of dehydration and heat exhaustion. Find shady places to play and rest, and drink lots of water.
Waterborne Illnesses & Safety Concerns
Bacteria & Algae Blooms
Any body of water, especially lakes like Saguaro and Canyon, can harbor harmful levels of bacteria or algae. Always check for posted warnings before heading out for a swim, and maintain your private swim areas properly to reduce the risk of exposure.
Swimmer’s Ear & Infections
Water becoming trapped in a swimmer’s ear is a fairly common occurrence and can lead to internal or external infections. This risk is higher in warmer, stagnant water. Be sure to use doctor-approved methods of water removal after swimming to help avoid problems.
Chlorine Sensitivity
Excessive exposure to chlorine can cause eye irritation, skin rashes, itching, and dryness. Be sure to rinse off after every swim to help prevent chlorine reactions.
How Big Blue Swim Schools in Gilbert Helps Keep Kids Safe
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that every child begin learning to swim by age four. At Big Blue Swim School in Gilbert, AZ, learning the basics of water safety can begin as early as 3 months old. However, regardless of your child’s age or swim level, water safety is our number one priority. Our trained instructors emphasize proper techniques and safety skills at every lesson to help your child become a well-prepared and confident swimmer.
Every swimmer at every level works on water safety during every lesson!
Baby Blue (3 months - 2 years)
Baby Blue swimmers learn:
- How to be comfortable in the water
- Basic breath control
- Using the pool edge for support and movement
- Basic safety maneuvers for rolling over and back floating
Bright Blue (3 - 5 years)
Bright Blue swimmers work on:
- Building in-water confidence
- Controlled, rhythmic breathing
- Basic building blocks for independent movement in the water
Bold Blue (6 years & up)
Bold Blue swimmers build their skills in:
- Breath rhythms and exchange
- Solo water exploration
- Basic swim strokes
Big Blue (6 years & up)
Big Blue swimmers practice:
- Previously learned techniques for mastery
- Expanding their safety knowledge and water confidence
- Refine and perfect swim strokes
- Work toward an unassisted 1,000 ft. swim
Learning essential swim skills in the fun, structured environment available at Big Blue Swim School in Gilbert is a great way to reduce the risks of water accidents and increase the fun of nearby water activities.
Sign Up for a Free Swim Lesson
Water safety begins with building situational awareness, knowledgeable preparation, and proper swim training. You can help your child become a strong, confident swimmer with swim lessons from Big Blue Swim School in Gilbert.
Give Big Blue Swim School a try by signing up for a free trial lesson.
You can register your child by calling, texting, or contacting us online today!
Call or Text (602) 562-0889