By Casey McGovern
As we head into the warmer months, families across the country are preparing for pool parties, beach days, and water-filled fun. But as May—National Water Safety Month—approaches, it’s important to pause and recognize a sobering reality: drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children 5 to 14.
The Statistics Are Alarming
- In the United States, nearly 4,000 people drown each year—an average of 11 drownings every day.
- For every fatal drowning, it’s estimated eight more children experience non-fatal drownings, often resulting in life-altering injuries.
- Florida consistently leads the nation in child drowning rates. In 2023, 97 children lost their lives to drowning in Florida—and in 2024, 105 children drowned. These tragedies are not accidents; they are preventable.
What Can We Do?
At Every Child a Swimmer, we believe every child deserves access to life-saving swim lessons and water safety education. But drowning prevention is a shared responsibility. Here’s how you can help make a difference—starting now.
Spread Awareness
- Share water safety tips with your community.
- Talk to friends, family, and neighbors about the importance of constant, active supervision near water.
Support Learn-to-Swim Programs
- Encourage families to enroll their children in swim lessons early.
- Donate to Every Child a Swimmer, which provides scholarships to families who can’t afford swim lessons.
Advocate for Water Safety Legislation
- Help push for laws that ensure parents receive water safety education when their children enter school.
- Support policies that make swim lessons more accessible to all children.
Be Water Smart
- Install proper barriers around pool
- Learn CPR and basic water rescue skills.
- Always designate a Water Watcher during pool time-distractions can be deadly.
Together, We Can Turn the Tide
National Water Safety Month is not just a campaign- it’s a call to action. One conversation, one swim lesson, or one donation could save a life. Join us at Every Child a Swimmer in our mission to prevent drowning and create a future where no family has to endure the pain of losing a child to a preventable tragedy.
Visit www.everychildaswimmer.org to learn more, donate, or get involved.
