Bowman Honored by Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona

TEMPE, Ariz. - Sun Devil Swimming head coach Bob Bowman has been recognized as an Arizona water safety advocate by the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona for his Water Safety Campaign video, the organization announced Thursday. Bowman was a co-winner of the Media Award for his work in drowning prevention.

"I would like to thank Diana Bowman who was the driving force behind this PSA and to ASU for recognizing the importance of this cause."

The Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona is a community-based organization comprised of parents, health and safety professionals and business leaders and exists to provide a forum to prevent drowning and near drowning through the promotion of education, legislative action and enhanced product safety. The Coalition hosts an annual awards banquet every August recognizing those who make a difference in drowning prevention.

"Our state-wide colleagues look forward to the annual awards each year.  It allows us to highlight the collaborative efforts between the DPCA and our critical partners," Melissa Sutton, DPCA President said.

Bowman considers drowning prevention a high-priority, as about one in five people who die from drowning are under the age of 14.

"Now that I have two grandchildren myself, I am even more acutely aware of the need for vigilance around water for all young children.  We all can play a role in teaching our youngsters about water safety, however, our most important role is constant supervision."

"We not only get to honor the work done by those outstanding friends in water safety, but the event also allows us to let our community know the impact those efforts have made," Sutton said. "It is really quite significant and we could not do it without these strategic partners and friends."