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Drowning has escalated into the leading cause of death for children under five in the United States, with alarming statistics revealing a significant increase in fatalities over the past seven years. The American Academy of Pediatrics has highlighted this crisis, prompting calls for heightened awareness and preventive measures to protect vulnerable young lives.
A Heartbreaking Reality
The tragic story of Morgan Miller and her family underscores the severity of this issue. In the summer of 2018, while visiting a neighbour’s home in Orange County, California, Morgan discovered her 19-month-old daughter, Emmy, floating unresponsive in the swimming pool. Despite immediate efforts to revive her, Emmy passed away the following day due to a lack of oxygen to her brain. Olympic skier Bode Miller, Emmy’s father, has since become an advocate for water safety, sharing their devastating experience to raise awareness.
A Troubling Increase in Drownings
According to a recent report from the American Academy of Pediatrics, child drowning deaths in the U.S. rose from 756 in 2019 to 865 in 2024. This disturbing trend is partly attributed to pandemic-related disruptions in swimming lessons and access to pools. Experts had previously warned that the suspension of swim instruction could lead to increased drowning risks, as children spent more time isolated at home.
Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician, emphasised the necessity of a multi-faceted approach to drowning prevention. “Preventing drowning requires layers of protection, including vigilant supervision, swimming skills, secured barriers around pools, life jackets, and policies aimed at enhancing water safety,” she explained in a recent interview.
The Importance of Supervision and Safety Measures
A pivotal aspect of preventing drowning incidents is understanding how drowning occurs. It is often a silent tragedy; a child may not exhibit the thrashing or loud commotion one might expect. Instead, they might struggle quietly, focusing solely on staying above water, which can happen in mere moments.
The U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan indicates that lack of supervision contributes to approximately 75% of drowning deaths among children aged 0-14. Therefore, designated “water watchers” are crucial. These individuals should maintain close proximity to children in the water, free from distractions like mobile phones, and switch off with other adults to ensure continuous supervision.
Physical barriers are equally important. Installing a fence around pools, which should be at least four feet tall and devoid of gaps, has been shown to prevent over half of all swimming pool drownings among young children. Additionally, parents are advised to provide life jackets when appropriate, as inflatable floaties can often create a false sense of security regarding a child’s swimming ability.
The Role of Swimming Lessons and CPR Training
Pediatricians recommend that children begin swimming lessons at the age of one. Introducing infants to water earlier can also be beneficial, helping them acclimatise and overcome any fear before it sets in. Ryann Leonard, executive director of the Stewie the Duck Swim School, stresses the significance of early swim lessons, stating, “The single most important first step you can take is to start lessons as early as six months.”
Moreover, teaching both children and adults CPR is essential. This knowledge can be lifesaving in emergencies, equipping caregivers with the skills needed to respond promptly should an incident occur.
Why it Matters
The rising incidence of drownings among young children is a public health crisis that requires immediate action from parents, caregivers, and policymakers alike. By increasing awareness of the risks and implementing comprehensive safety measures, we can protect our youngest and most vulnerable from this preventable tragedy. As communities come together to advocate for water safety, we must remember that every child deserves the chance to enjoy water activities safely.