Life-saving water tips as temperatures rise around the Valley There was an increase in drowning deaths in both adults and children 5-years and younger in the Valley from 2019 to 2020, according to the Children's Safety Zone. Author: Jen Wahl Updated: 1:52 PM MST April 5, 2021 MESA, Ariz. — As temperatures rise this season and more people enjoy the pool, safety experts caution Arizonans to stay water-aware at all times. Drowning deaths in adults and children increased from 2019 to 2020 in the Valley In 2019, the Children's Safety Zone reported 36 total drowning deaths in Maricopa and Pinal Counties. Five of those deaths were in children ages 0 to 5. In 2020, they reported an increase with 47 total deaths. 14 of those deaths were in children ages 0 to 5.