Tragedy Close to Home: What Emilie Kiser’s Story Teaches Us About Pool Safety in Arizona
It’s the kind of story that punches you in the gut again-pool safety in Arizona.
Recently, the Phoenix-area community was rocked by the heartbreaking news that Emilie Kiser — a local influencer and mother — lost her son in a drowning accident. This blog isn’t about placing blame-a terrible tragedy occurred.
Let’s go over some history and ways to be more aware and hopefully prevent future drownings.
Before we get into it, please make sure you are subscribed to our Living North Phoenix Newsletter-this is where you can stay current on all things to do in North Phoenix, calendars of events, the best restaurants, North Phoenix real estate news and more!
As a local Realtor, a father, and someone deeply invested in this community, this story hit hard. Because in Arizona, where backyard pools are as common as saguaros, we don’t have the luxury of looking away
Arizona’s Silent Killer: Drowning
According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death for children ages 1–4 in our state. In Maricopa County alone, dozens of children are hospitalized — or worse — every year from pool-related incidents.
These aren’t “bad parents.” These are good, loving families. And it happens fast.
So let’s talk about it.
5 Pool Safety Tips Every Arizona Family Should Know
1. Install a 4-sided fence with self-latching gates.
Not decorative. Not shared with the neighbor. A full barrier.
2. Use pool alarms and door/window alerts.
Especially if kids can access the backyard on their own.
3. Assign a designated water watcher.
Phones down. No multitasking. Eyes on the water. Do that many people actually do this?
4. Learn CPR — even if you never use it.
It’s 2 hours that could change a life.
5. Teach kids to swim, but never rely on swimming alone.
Lessons are essential. But no child is drown-proof.
After another article came out about this horrible tragedy, I shared it in the Group. It was shared with the goal of finding reputable pool fence installers, getting tips and learning more about what we can do to help. Give it a read–it’s worth it.
6. Pool fence installers and covers. These are some of the recommendations. I do not endorse any of them:
- Protect A Child
- Solar Safe Pool Covers
- AZ Iron Pros
- Guardian Pool Fence
- Phoenix Pool Fencing
We’re All Responsible
If you own a pool, or live next to one, this is your issue too.
Are you a Realtor (like me), and you sell homes with pools, it’s part of the conversation.
A parent, a grandparent, a neighbor — your vigilance matters.
The Kisers’ tragedy is unbearable. But if we take this pain and turn it into prevention, that’s how we honor their loss.
Let’s Make Pool Safety a North Phoenix Priority
I’ve created a simple, printable North Phoenix Pool Safety Checklist you can hang near your back door or hand to clients and neighbors.
(for now, comment below or let me know and I will get it to you)
I’m all about having a pool and enjoying time at home but if you are looking for things to do in North Phoenix away from the house, check out this blog I wrote with the 10 cool things to do in North Phoenix this summer!
And after a swim on a hot summer day, what is better than a smoothie? View our blog about one of the best smoothie places in North Phoenix.
And if you need help finding CPR classes, connecting with local pool safety experts, or just want to talk, I’m here.
Let’s not tiptoe around the issue. Let’s protect our kids. Together.