Child Drowning Deaths Are Rising in the U.S. as Doctors Urge Parents to Take Water Safety Seriously

Doctors are warning that child drownings are increasing across the United States, with experts stressing that a tragedy can happen in seconds—even when adults are nearby.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued updated guidance encouraging families to prioritize swimming lessons, constant supervision, and stronger pool safety measures after child drowning deaths climbed in recent years.

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"Drowning occurs quickly, and every second counts," said Dr. Rohit Shenoi, lead author of the AAP's latest water safety recommendations.

"Quick rescue and resuscitation can mean the difference between life, death, and lifelong disability."

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Drowning Remains the Leading Cause of Death for Young Children

While roughly 4,000 to 5,000 Americans drown each year, children face the greatest risk.

According to health experts:

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  • Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4.
  • It is also one of the top causes of death for children ages 5 to 14.
  • Most drownings involving toddlers happen in residential swimming pools, while older children are more likely to drown in lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water.

Doctors emphasize that drowning is often silent, with no yelling or splashing to alert nearby adults.

Family's Tragedy Sparked a Lifelong Mission

One of the strongest voices advocating for water safety is Stew Leonard, CEO of the Stew Leonard's grocery chain.

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His 21-month-old son, Stewie, drowned during a family vacation in 1989 after wandering into a swimming pool while relatives assumed someone else was watching him.

"There were a lot of adults around," recalled Stewie's mother, Kim Leonard.

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"We never asked each other, 'Do you have him?'"

Stew Leonard eventually found his son face down in the pool.

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The heartbreaking loss led the family to establish the Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation, which has since funded more than 250,000 swimming lessons for children across the country.

Child Drowning Deaths Have Increased Since the Pandemic

For decades, drowning deaths among children steadily declined thanks to swimming lessons, public awareness campaigns, and improved pool safety laws.

However, that progress has reversed.

According to federal data:

  • 2019: 756 child drowning deaths
  • 2024: 865 child drowning deaths

Experts say several factors contributed to the increase, including:

  • COVID-19 disruptions to swimming lessons
  • Lifeguard shortages
  • Increased backyard pool construction
  • More unsupervised swimming

Although preliminary data suggests deaths may have declined slightly last year, rates remain higher than they were before the pandemic.

Doctors Recommend Layers of Protection

Pediatricians say no single safety device can prevent drowning. Instead, families should rely on multiple layers of protection.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:

  • Enrolling children in swimming lessons as early as appropriate
  • Installing four-sided pool fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates
  • Using U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around open water
  • Ensuring lifeguards are present whenever possible
  • Learning CPR to respond quickly during emergencies

Some companies now sell wearable water alarms that alert caregivers if a child enters the water, but experts stress these devices should never replace direct adult supervision.

Constant Supervision Saves Lives

Water safety advocates say the most effective prevention remains simple: an adult should always watch children without distractions whenever they're near water.

Stew Leonard urges parents to put away their phones and focus entirely on children around pools.

"Turn your cellphone off when you're watching kids around the pool," Leonard said.

"Don't read a book. Don't get distracted talking to friends."

He added that swimming lessons are one of the few activities that can directly save a child's life.

"You can sign your child up for ballet, karate, or tennis," Leonard said. "But swimming lessons are the one thing that can save their life."

Why Fast Action Matters

Unlike many other accidents, drowning can happen silently and within moments.

Medical experts say immediate rescue and CPR dramatically improve survival chances and reduce the risk of permanent brain injury.

With summer pool season in full swing, pediatricians are encouraging families to review water safety plans before heading to the pool, beach, or lake.

Their message is simple: drowning is preventable—but only when preparation and supervision come first.