NFL star Shaquil Barrett and his wife, Jordanna, are navigating the complexities of family life two years after the heartbreaking loss of their daughter, Arrayah, who tragically drowned in the family pool. During a recent appearance on *Good Morning America*, Shaquil shared insights into their ongoing healing journey and the measures they have taken to ensure pool safety for their children.
“It’s always a battle. It’s always a struggle. It doesn’t get any easier, but it’s something that we’ve been managing,” Shaquil, 32, explained. He emphasized the importance of communication, stating that he and Jordanna, 32, have been talking with each other, seeking support from fellow NFL families, and focusing on their other children’s well-being.
Reflecting on the circumstances surrounding Arrayah’s death, Shaquil noted that their family did not have adequate safety measures in place at the time. “We didn’t even have a gate that was protecting the pool,” he admitted. Although they had door sensors, they eventually turned them off due to the constant disruptions caused by their children going in and out.
On the day of the incident in April 2023, the gate leading to the pool and the door were unlocked, and the door chimes were off. Shaquil explained that they had relied on life vests and flotation devices, which unfortunately gave them a false sense of security. “We’ve been doing that all the time now,” he said, emphasizing the need for vigilance.
In light of their loss, Shaquil and Jordanna have prioritized educating their children about pool safety. They have also initiated the Arrayah Hope Foundation to honor their daughter and advocate for drowning prevention. “Most drownings happen during non-swim times,” Jordanna pointed out, highlighting the necessity of implementing safety measures even when children are not actively swimming.
The couple has three sons—Shaquil Jr., 13, Braylon, 12, and Aaliyah, 10—and two daughters, Allanah, 17 months, and Amaiah Marie, 1 month. They are committed to ensuring that their kids are well-informed about pool safety and the potential dangers associated with swimming.
Jordanna shared some practical tips for parents, including the importance of having a locked and latched safety gate, utilizing cameras to monitor children outside, and installing alarms on all doors leading to the pool area. She also stressed the significance of removing pool toys when they are not in use, as these can attract children and encourage them to approach the water.
“I think a key too, is to put all swim toys away,” Jordanna advised. “That distraction can be really important to manage.”
In their quest to prevent similar tragedies, Shaquil and Jordanna have reached out to drowning prevention organizations and encourage other families to do the same. “Reach out to us, reach out to any drowning prevention organization,” Shaquil said. “I’m pretty sure they can lead you in the right direction.”
As the Barrett family continues to heal, they remain dedicated to spreading awareness about pool safety and ensuring that their children grow up with a strong understanding of the risks associated with swimming. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of vigilance and safety measures around water.
For additional resources and information on pool safety, families can refer to expert tips from organizations like Bode Miller’s initiatives and visit Coverstar’s website during Water Safety Awareness Month. By sharing their journey, Shaquil and Jordanna hope to inspire other families to take proactive steps in safeguarding their loved ones.