It's devastating news we hear all too often in the Valley when the temperatures rise, kids drowning in backyard pools.
As of May 21, 2018, there have been a dozen media-reported water-related incidents involving children around the Valley, including a handful of cases that have been deadly.
That's why the Valley of the Sun YMCA is taking action and offering free water safety classes all week long to non-swimmers, ages six months to adult.
Kids will learn basic swimming skills and also survival skills if they were to fall into the water.
As the kids get accustomed to the water, trainers are putting a big focus on adult supervision and asking parents to take the "Water Watchers" pledge and wear an accountability badge when they're at the pool.
"We're asking them to take a pledge that they're going to watch kids around the water." said Executive Director of Risk Management Jackie Gizzi, "They'll avoid distractions like being on their phone, texting or reading, that they'll be actively supervising their children when they're in and around the water."
The classes aren't just for kids -- adults can learn to swim too, and Gizzi says more adults have signed up for the classes at the downtown Phoenix YMCA than kids.
The free lessons are first-come, first served. There are morning and night class schedules. To take part, you must register in person at your local YMCA location.
If you can't attend a free class this week the YMCA does offer scholarships and financial assistance for their regular swim lessons.
RELATED: Check out Smart Shopper for more free swim lessons and deals around the Valley
