An Arizona family of eight recently received a free pool fence, thanks to Child Crisis Arizona — a leading non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the wellbeing and safety of children and families.
The Gunnison family moved into their Maricopa County home in 2020 and have been worried about the property’s lack of a pool fence ever since. For Jayne Gunnison, getting a pool fence for the family’s diving pool was always top-of-mind, but until she began looking into it, she didn’t realize how much it was going to cost. And with twins on the way, the family couldn’t afford it.
Then in 2022, Jayne and her partner attended a funeral for a friend's child who drowned in a pool.
“That is the most devastating funeral you can attend: To see a child in a small coffin,” Jayne said.
After months of research, Jayne learned about Child Crisis Arizona and applied for the free fence the minute applications opened.
The mother of six is now breathing a sigh of relief.
“Peace of mind is priceless. It is truly priceless. I can open my back door and I can let my kids play,” she said.
For the last four years, Child Crisis Arizona has been giving away free pool fences in partnership with Salt River Project, State Farm, and the 493 Firefighter Foundation. In 2024, the organization gave away 15 fences; the Gunnison family is one of their most recent recipients.
2024 was also one of the worst drowning years for Maricopa County, which experienced more drownings than in any of the previous five years, and the organization is committed to slowing the drowning rates.
That’s why now through April 4, 2025, Maricopa County parents or caregivers who are financially unable to afford pool barriers and have young children are encouraged to apply for a free pool fence.
Eligibility requirements:
• Family must reside within Maricopa County.
• Must have a child age 6 or under living in the home.
• Home must be owner-occupied; renters are not eligible.
• Family must be income-qualified; participation in one of the following assistance programs will be used to verify income eligibility: Food Stamps, Medicaid, WIC, Energy Assistance, or Unemployment.
• If the family is not enrolled in one of the assistance programs, household income will be considered, and their 2024 tax return will be used to verify eligibility.
https://childcrisisaz.wufoo.com/forms/qw9uyls0k3r70k/ Click here to apply now.
In addition to providing free pool fences, the Child Crisis Arizona Pool Fence Safety Program educates parents and caregivers on water safety through a Virtual Water Safety Workshop led by a Safe Kids Maricopa County coordinator.
The workshop is open throughout the year to all families.
