Fence Patrol 2022

Fulton Homes News

Water Safety

Posted: 10/12/2022

Five Valley Families Receive Gift of
New Pool Fence Courtesy of Fulton Homes

$12,500 donated in latest drowning prevention effort by Arizona homebuilder

Did you know that over 32 percent of single-family homes in Phoenix have a pool? According to a 2021 story from Aqua Magazine, Phoenix is the top city in the U.S. for homes featuring a pool. What is less common is a fence around that pool, which can be a problem for families with children. According to the CDC, the number one cause of death for children between the ages of one and four years old is drowning. However, this number is reduced by more than 80% when there is a barrier around the pool.

That’s why Fulton Homes has partnered with Ironman Pool Fence and KMLE 107.9 again this summer to help keep the children of Arizona safe through its Fence Patrol program! After another successful season full of nominations for deserving families, Fulton Homes has selected five winners to receive a $2,500 gift certificate to use toward the purchase of a new pool fence. Meet the 2022 winners:

Eric Van Epps, Phoenix – Eric Van Epps has a big family with kids ages 17, 15, 13, 7 and 1. Their one-year old son was diagnosed with cancer shortly after they began renovating their pool, leaving it without a fence. The time, energy and money spent keeping their son healthy has led to a lack of resources for a pool fence, until now.

Elizabeth Crowley, Surprise – Elizabeth is a single mom who is very involved in foster care, and needed a fence for her pool in order to maintain her license. Elizabeth shared why winning the fence was so important to her, “The pool really helps the kids heal. This pool fence is allowing me to continue providing a safe, supportive and loving home for kiddos who need it!”

Kayla Netzley, Mesa – Kayla nominated her family as a way to help her husband. Shortly after moving into a new home, the Netzley family welcomed a new baby girl. To keep her safe, Kayla’s husband has been researching how to install a pool fence himself as well as trying to find the time and funds.

Denise Lewis, Glendale – Denise was nominated by her mother. After her husband retired from 15 years in the Air Force, Denise and her family moved back to Arizona. However, due to the high real estate prices, they were forced to buy a fixer-upper without a gated pool. With young children at home, a fence was Denise’s number one priority.

Kady-Ann Larm, Phoenix – Kady-Ann just bought her family a home with a beautiful pool! But without a fence, the pool has become a hazard. Kady-Ann and her family were worried that her six-year-old stepson and her nieces were in danger of falling into the pool. “This fence gives my family peace of mind and security knowing our backyard is safe,” she says.

This is the 20th year that Fulton Homes has donated pool fences to families in the Valley. The Fence Patrol campaign is a Fulton tradition that runs parallel to its second pool safety campaign, “2 Seconds is Too Long,” which aims at raising awareness around drowning prevention. These annual initiatives emphasize the importance of water safety and keeping the children in our community safe.

“Drownings can happen in the blink of an eye and we’re committed not only to raising awareness of the importance of water safety, but to providing the resources to put precautions in place that allow our children to live long and healthy lives,” said Doug Fulton, CEO of Fulton Homes. Learn more about work Fulton Homes does around water safety here.

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