Arizona summers are made for water activities. Whether you’re cooling off in your backyard pool, fishing or paddleboarding on local lakes, or floating the Salt River, water adventures are one of the best ways to beat the heat.
According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death for young children in Arizona. Adults and seniors are also at risk, particularly when boating, swimming alone, or participating in water sports. Heat, dehydration, alcohol, medical conditions, and fatigue all increase the likelihood of a water-related emergency.
Residents throughout Apache Junction, Gold Canyon, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Mesa, and the East Valley are fortunate to have incredible outdoor destinations nearby. Popular spots such as Canyon Lake, Saguaro Lake, Bartlett Lake, the Salt River, and the Colorado River attract thousands of visitors every summer.
While these destinations offer beautiful scenery and endless recreation, each comes with unique safety risks.
Before You Leave Home: Your Arizona Water Safety Checklist
✔ Pack plenty of drinking water for every person.
✔ Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen before leaving and reapply every two hours.
✔ Bring properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for children and anyone boating, kayaking, or paddleboarding.
✔ Pack a stocked first aid kit.
✔ Check the weather forecast for heat advisories, thunderstorms, or flash flood warnings.
✔ Fully charge your phone before heading out.
✔ Designate one responsible adult as the “Water Watcher” whose only job is supervising children in or near the water.
✔ Tell someone where you’re going if you’re visiting a remote lake or river.
Pool Safety Starts with Supervision
Backyard pools provide endless summer fun, but they require constant attention. Young children can slip beneath the surface quietly and quickly. Active supervision means staying within arm’s reach of children who cannot swim confidently. Avoid distractions like texting, reading, or conversations while supervising swimmers.
Additional pool safety tips include:
- Install four-sided fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates.
- Remove toys from the pool after swimming to prevent children from reaching for them.
- Learn or take a CPR refresher course.
- Keep rescue equipment nearby.
- Get your children involved in swim lessons when they are young.
- Never assume another adult is watching the children.
TIP: Even experienced swimmers should avoid swimming alone.
Staying Safe at Arizona Lakes and Rivers
Natural bodies of water are very different from swimming pools. Lakes can have sudden drop-offs, hidden rocks, underwater trees, changing water levels, and boat traffic.
Many people misjudge Arizona’s rivers because they appear calm. Currents can be surprisingly powerful, especially after rain or water releases from upstream dams.
If you’re visiting Canyon Lake, Saguaro Lake, Bartlett Lake, the Salt River, or the Colorado River always wear a life jacket while boating, kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding. Never dive into unfamiliar water and watch those changing weather conditions. Don’t underestimate staying hydrated throughout the day. And wear water shoes to protect against sharp rocks and hot surfaces.
Most importantly, keep children close, even in shallow water.
Don't Forget About Flash Floods
Arizona’s summer monsoon season can create dangerous flash floods with little warning. A thunderstorm several miles away may send a surge of water down normally calm rivers and washes. If storms are forecast, leave the water immediately and move to higher ground.
Never attempt to drive or walk through moving floodwater.
Paddleboarders, Boaters, and Anglers Face Unique Risks
Fishing and paddleboarding have become increasingly popular throughout the East Valley. Many accidents happen because people think that they won’t fall into the water. Even strong swimmers can become exhausted after unexpectedly entering the water.
You can protect yourself by always wearing a life jacket and by letting someone know where you’re going and what time you expect to return. You should also avoid alcohol while boating or paddling.
Seniors Should Take Extra Precautions
Older adults often enjoy boating, swimming, or relaxing near the water with grandchildren. However, certain medications, heart conditions, balance issues, and dehydration can increase the risk of falls or medical emergencies.
Seniors should stay well hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure during the hottest part of the day. It’s also important for seniors to enter the water slowly and to wear shoes with good traction around slippery pool decks and boat ramps.
Common Summer Injuries We Treat
At Heavens Urgent Care, we commonly treat water-related injuries and illnesses, including:
- Swimmer’s ear
- Cuts and lacerations
- Fishhook injuries
- Sprains and fractures from slips and falls
- Sunburn
- Dehydration
- Heat exhaustion
- Insect bites and stings around lakes and rivers
- Mild skin infections after water exposure
Prompt treatment can help prevent later complications and get you back to enjoying your summer.
What to Do in the First 10 Minutes After a Water Emergency
The first few minutes can make a tremendous difference during a water emergency. If someone has been pulled from the water:
- Call 911 immediately if they are unconscious, not breathing, or have experienced a near drowning.
- Begin CPR if you are trained and the person is not breathing normally.
- Remove wet clothing and keep the person warm.
- Monitor for coughing, difficulty breathing, confusion, or persistent vomiting.
- Even if someone appears to recover after a submersion event, they should be evaluated by a medical professional. Water inhalation can lead to serious breathing complications.
If the emergency involves severe bleeding, a head injury, loss of consciousness, or suspected spinal injury, always seek emergency medical care immediately.
Enjoy Arizona's Waters Safely This Summer
Arizona offers incredible opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, from neighborhood pools to beautiful lakes and rivers throughout the state. A little preparation, close supervisions, and smart decisions-making can help keep everyone safe while making lasting summer memories. If your day on the water end with a minor injury or illness, the experienced team at Heavens Urgent Care is here to help. We provide prompt care for non-life-threatening summer injuries, infections, dehydration, swimmer’s ear, sprains, cutes, and more so you can get back to enjoying everything an Arizona summer has to offer.
For life-threatening emergencies, drowning, or anyone who is unconscious or having difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Intermittent fasting may not be appropriate for everyone, especially people with chronic health conditions, diabetes, or medication-related concerns. If you are thinking about starting a fasting routine, please speak with a qualified medical professional first.
