Child Crisis Arizona, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the well-being and safety of children and families, has announced the expansion of its annual Pool Fence Safety Program. In partnership with Salt River Project (SRP) and the 493 Firefighter Foundation, the program will accept applications from Aug 1 through Sept. 30 of this year. Parents or caregivers who cannot afford pool barriers and have young children can apply to receive a pool fence at no cost.

“This past spring, we provided 11 families across Maricopa County with pool fences,” says Caitlin Sageng, senior program director at Child Crisis Arizona. “Due to demand and the generosity of our partners, we are opening applications a second time. Child Crisis Arizona is home to Safe Kids Maricopa County, the local chapter of a worldwide organization aiming to prevent childhood injury and death. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 and remains among the top five causes of death for children ages 5 to 9.”

In addition to offering pool fences, the Child Crisis Arizona Pool Fence Safety Program educates parents and caregivers on water safety through a Virtual Water Safety Workshop. This workshop, led by a Safe Kids Maricopa County program coordinator, is available year-round to anyone interested.

Families residing in Maricopa County can apply for a free pool fence installation if they meet certain eligibility criteria. Applications are available in both English and Spanish.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must have a child age 6 or under living in the home
  • Home must be owner-occupied; renters are not eligible
  • Family must reside within Maricopa County
  • Family must meet income qualifications by participating in assistance programs such as food stamps, Medicaid, WIC, energy assistance, or unemployment. If not enrolled in these programs, household income will be verified using the most recent tax return.

“SRP is deeply committed to improving water safety for the children and families of our community,” says Rori Minor, SRP community engagement strategist. “We’ve seen the need for water safety resources increase this summer, and SRP remains dedicated to responding to the needs of our community. Through our partnership with Child Crisis Arizona and others, we provide quality resources and education to help keep children safe around water.”

Since 1977, Child Crisis Arizona has served vulnerable children and families in Arizona, committed to preventing child abuse and neglect through education and intervention. The organization offers emergency shelter and residential care for children and youth from birth to 21, foster care and adoption services, early education, parenting classes, workshops, support groups, and more. Child Crisis Arizona has positively impacted nearly 136,000 children and families since its inception.

SRP is a community-based, not-for-profit public power utility and the largest electricity provider in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, serving approximately 1.1 million customers. SRP also provides water to about half of the Valley’s residents, delivering more than 244 billion gallons of water annually, and manages a 13,000-square-mile watershed.

Meanwhile, the 493 Firefighter Foundation, formerly known as the United Phoenix Firefighters Charities, was organized in 1964 and consists of more than 3,000 professional firefighters across the Valley. The foundation has built relationships and partnerships with community leaders, private businesses, citizens, and other organizations to improve the lives of the community they serve.

For more information and to apply for the Pool Fence Safety Program, visit childcrisisaz.org/pool-fence-safety-program.