You turn your back for just a moment. Maybe you’re grabbing a towel, checking your email, or chasing a toddler who’s just taken off with your phone. And in that blink—before you even realize it—your child has slipped out of sight. For too many families, that’s how it begins.
According to the CDC, in 2024, drowning remains the leading cause of death from unintentional injury among children ages 1 to 4 in the U.S., and the second leading cause among children and teens ages 5 to 14. It’s quick. It’s silent. And heartbreakingly, it’s often preventable.
Here’s what every parent needs to know this summer.
The most vulnerable ages
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), drowning risks shift by age:
- Infants under 1 are most likely to drown in bathtubs, buckets, or toilets—right inside the home.
- Toddlers and preschoolers (ages 1–4) are at highest risk around residential swimming pools, especially during unsupervised moments.
- Older children and teens often drown in natural bodies of water like lakes, rivers, and oceans—especially boys, who are statistically more likely to overestimate their swimming abilities .
Dr. Sarah Denny, an attending physician in the Division of Pediatric Primary Care at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the lead author of the AAP’s new technical report, Prevention of Drowning, said during the Pediatrics On Call podcast on Drowning Prevention Guidance, “We do know that where someone drowns varies by their age. So when there’s kids less than one, they’re most likely to drown in the home.”
“So in the bathtub, in a bucket of water, even in a toilet. And so we should be talking to families, you know, at those newborn and infant visits about ways to prevent drowning in the home,” she adds.
Related: Teens are the second most at-risk age group for drowning
Why drowning still happens—even in “safe” homes
Despite widespread awareness campaigns, drowning still claims lives because of one harsh truth: it’s usually silent and fast. It can happen in under 30 seconds, in just 1–2 inches of water.
And modern parenting isn’t making it easier.
- Smartphones and multitasking mean distractions are ever-present, even for the most attentive caregivers.
- Home rentals like Airbnbs often lack essential safety features like four-sided pool fencing.
- Single parenting or solo caregiving increases the challenge of constant supervision.
Related: Pediatrician shares water safety tips for parents amid new CDC data on drowning
What works: Proven drowning prevention strategies
The AAP’s comprehensive guidance offers parents layered protections—no single method is enough on its own. Here’s what experts recommend:
Supervise constantly, closely, and without distraction
Even if there’s a lifeguard. Even if it’s a quick second. Even if your child has swimmies on.
- For young children, stay within arm’s reach—what the AAP calls “touch supervision.”
- At parties or busy gatherings, designate a “Water Watcher” whose only job is to keep eyes on the kids (rotate the role every 15 minutes).
- Even if there’s a lifeguard present, you still need to be watching your child. That really means dedicated, constant supervision—not on your phone, not chatting with your friend. Truly, eyes on your child.
Enroll in swim lessons (age-appropriate!)
- Lessons can start as early as age 1, depending on your child’s readiness.
- Don’t count on lessons to “drown-proof” your child—they reduce risk but don’t eliminate it.
- Look for programs that focus on water survival skills, not just strokes: floating, treading, getting to the side.
- Swim lessons are great, but they do not drown-proof a child. And when the child’s in the water, nothing replaces supervision.”
“We know that swim lessons can help prevent drowning,” says Dr. Denny, “But they’re just one layer of many layers of protection. And really, the proper age to start some lessons depends on the child.”
She further adds, “I think that any of us who have more than one kid know that developmentally, they’re at different stages. And so there’s some evidence that shows that swimming lessons after the age of one can be helpful. But if you’re not sure, I would just encourage parents to talk to their pediatricians and figure out, you know, what is developmentally appropriate for their individual child.”
Say no to floaties that feel like a crutch
“Swimmies,” arm floaties, or puddle jumpers can give a false sense of security—to you and your child.
Instead, use the U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets, especially around lakes, rivers, and unfamiliar pools.
“I know some parents feel like they don’t want their children to use them (life jackets) because it might stop them from learning how to swim. They’re required by federal law for anyone younger than age 13 who’s boating or doing any recreational activity,” says Dr. Denny.
Secure pools with four-sided fencing
This remains the most evidence-backed preventive measure for young kids.
- Fencing should be at least 4 feet tall and completely separate the pool from the house.
- Gates must be self-latching and self-closing.
In home rentals, don’t assume safety. Upon arrival, inspect pool access and ask hosts about fencing, gates, and alarms.
Install door alarms and use bathroom locks
- Door alarms can alert you if a child slips outside.
- Toilet latches, tub drain removal, and closing bathroom doors can all help prevent tragic accidents indoors.
Learn CPR—and make sure sitters know it too
Immediate bystander CPR can dramatically improve outcomes. Classes are available through the Red Cross and American Heart Association.
“If you own a pool, it’s really important to know CPR,” says Dr. Denny, “We know from looking at outcomes data that a person, whether it’s a child or an adult, has a much better outcome if early bystander CPR is started immediately. So, you know, calling 911, starting CPR immediately are really, really important in outcomes as far as drowning goes.”
Often overlooked but crucial
- Empty kiddie pools and buckets right after use.
- Don’t rely on older siblings for supervision.
- Avoid “dry drowning” myths: The Red CrossAAP says drowning is a process—not a secondary condition that happens hours later.
- Teach teens risk awareness, especially boys. They are 10 times more likely to drown than girls, often due to risk-taking behavior.
Related: Pediatric ER doctor debunks the ‘myth’ of dry drowning—what parents need to know
This isn’t about shame. It’s about support.
Every parent wants to do right by their kids. And it’s terrifying to know how fast drowning can happen. But the flip side is powerful: most drownings are preventable.
With awareness, preparedness, and layers of protection, you can make the water a joyful, safe place for your family.
And that moment you turned your back? Let’s just make sure it doesn’t cost you everything.
Sources:
- HealthyChildren.Org. 2019. “Infant Water Safety: Protect Your New Baby from Drowning”
- HealthyChildren.Org. 2024. “Swim Lessons: When to Start & What Parents Should Know”
- AAP. 2021. “Drowning Prevention Guidance, Acute Flaccid Myelitis”
- AAP. 2022. “Drowning.”
- NDPA. “Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning”
- Pediatrics. 2019. “Prevention of Drowning”
- NDPA. “Active Supervision: How Lifeguards and Water Watchers Work Together”