WASHINGTON, D.C. — With summer pool season underway, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a troubling report on child drownings. The data, focused on children under 15, showed a 12% increase in fatal drownings in 2021 compared to 2020. Drowning remains the leading cause of death for young children, ages 1 to 4, with Black communities disproportionately affected.

The CPSC is urging all families with young children, especially those in historically excluded communities, to prioritize water safety as pool use increases. The report highlights non-fatal drownings from 2021-2023 and fatal drownings from 2019-2021 due to a lag in reporting fatal drowning statistics.

Key findings include:

  • An average of 358 pool-or spa-related fatal drownings per year for children under 15 between 2019-2021, with 75% of victims under 5.
  • 2021 saw a concerning 12% increase in child drownings compared to 2020.
  • An estimated average of 6,500 children under 15 received hospital treatment for pool-related non-fatal drownings annually between 2021-2023.
  • 77% of non-fatal drowning injuries involved children under 5 in 2023.

“These drownings are a stark reminder of the dangers children face around water,” said CPSC Chair Alex Hoehn-Saric. “Constant vigilance and layers of protection, like fences, alarms, and self-latching pool gates, are crucial to keep unsupervised children safe.”

The report also highlights racial disparities. Among identified drownings, 23% involved African American children under 15, exceeding their population percentage. For 5-14 year olds, 45% of drowning deaths were African American. The CPSC emphasizes reaching out to historically excluded communities with water safety resources.

Parents and caregivers can visit PoolSafely.gov for water safety tips, including:

  • Constant supervision around water with a designated “Water Watcher” free from distractions.
  • Layers of pool protection, including fences with self-closing latches and alarms.
  • CPR training for children and adults.
  • Swimming lessons for children.
  • Keeping children away from pool drains and equipment.
  • Ensuring pools have drain covers meeting federal safety standards.