Children and adults are still dying in local pools, but drowning numbers aren't keeping pace with last year's deaths, fire department records show.

There have been 22 drownings so far this year in Tempe, Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, Scottsdale and Phoenix, compared with 53 in 2004. Summer, when drownings are most frequent, is also coming to a close.

But don't let that create a sense of false security, authorities say. Drownings are still a major Valley problem.

"Drownings can occur any time," said Al Filva, a Phoenix Fire Department spokesman. "Any time there is a body of water there is danger . . . a tub, a bucket, a toilet, a canal, a neighbor's pool, a lake, a river - parents need to be especially diligent."

Although overall numbers are down, the number of children drowning has increased slightly. There have been 15 so far this year, compared with 14 in all of 2004, according to Children's Safety Zone, a Valley watchdog group.

"It's the preschoolers who are drowning," said Beverly Burns of the Tempe Fire Department. "It's a sad truth, but the numbers show it."

Fire departments push drowning prevention year-round. Mesa Fire Department offers a free "Lifesaver" first-aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation overview class. Chandler Fire Department incorporates water safety tips during talks to kindergartners through third-graders during fire prevention presentations. Gilbert hands out thousands of purple ribbons in August to remind people of water dangers.

But the Valley's booming population makes the task of teaching drowning prevention increasingly difficult, and officials say parents need to do their part. There are preventative measures parents and children can take such as fencing, swimming lessons, and following stiff family rules.

"September is a real high month because kids are going back to school so adults let their guard down," Phoenix Fire Department's Filva said. "Don't. It's not worth it."

Reproduced with permission from: The Arizona Republic By Katie Nelson ©Copyright 2005 Arizona Republic