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| Chandler Fire Battalion Chief Blas Minor / Chandler Fire Department |
Staff Reporter | iSkyNews.com (ISC News)
Published November 24th, 2025
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Chandler Launches Winter Drowning Prevention Campaign as Cold-Weather Incidents Persist
Chandler, AZ — As temperatures drop and attention shifts away from summer hazards, the City of Chandler is reminding residents that water safety remains a year-round concern. Despite the belief that drowning risks decline once the heat fades, winter continues to be a dangerous period for water-related emergencies in Arizona.
According to the Chandler Police Department, more than 20% of all drowning-related calls in the city occur between November and February—a time many assume to be low-risk. Since 2015, Chandler emergency crews have responded to 97 drowning calls, with 20 of those incidents happening during the winter months.
‘Water Doesn’t Stop Being Hazardous in Winter’
Chandler Police Sergeant Ricky Gonzales says the threat is often underestimated.
“Chandler is a community that has a lot of neighborhood lakes and a lot of our residents have pools,” Gonzales explained. “And with our snowbird community that comes into town, it’s important to not let our guard down so we can stay safe around water this time of year.”
To combat the seasonal rise in emergencies, the Chandler Police and Fire Departments have launched a winter drowning prevention campaign, using social media to share safety tips, drowning prevention strategies, and water survival skills.
Holiday Distractions Increase Risk
Chandler Fire Battalion Chief Blas Minor says the holidays can inadvertently create dangerous situations.
“As we approach the winter months, we have things going on—Thanksgiving, Christmas, family gatherings,” Minor said. “It’s our responsibility, not just parents, but everybody in this community, to keep our children safe when it comes to water safety.”
Officials say winter drownings happen for several reasons:
Why Winter Drownings Occur
Chandler Public Safety officials emphasize that constant supervision is the most effective prevention measure, regardless of season. They urge residents to remain proactive and follow year-round safety practices:
- Ensure pool fences, gates, and latches remain secure.
- Remove toys or objects that may attract children toward the water.
- Keep hot tubs and spas locked or covered when not in use.
- Educate holiday visitors—including children—about nearby water hazards.
The city hopes that by increasing awareness during the colder months, families will stay alert and prevent tragic incidents.
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