WASHINGTON, D.C. — Drowning continues to be the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1 and 4, according to a new report released by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
The agency said an average of 376 children younger than 15 died each year in pool- or spa-related drownings between 2021 and 2023. Nearly 80 percent of those fatalities involved children under the age of 5.
In 2023 alone, the CPSC recorded 379 child drowning deaths, a 6 percent increase from the 359 reported the previous year.
According to the report, more than 70 percent of fatal drownings during the three-year period occurred at residential locations, including a child’s home, the home of a family member or friend, or a neighbor’s pool.
The commission also estimates that approximately 5,900 children under age 15 were treated in emergency departments each year between 2023 and 2025 for nonfatal pool- or spa-related drowning injuries.
Acting CPSC Chairman Peter Feldman said the latest report highlights the continued need for water safety awareness, particularly during the summer months when children spend more time around pools and other bodies of water.
The agency is encouraging parents and caregivers to closely supervise children whenever they are near water and to assign a dedicated, distraction-free “Water Watcher” while children are swimming.
Additional safety recommendations include:
- Install four-sided barriers or fencing around pools.
- Secure ladders on above-ground pools when they are not in use.
- Enroll children in age-appropriate swim lessons.
- Learn CPR to improve emergency response.
- Ensure pool drain covers meet federal safety standards.
The CPSC also recently recalled approximately five million above-ground pools after determining that certain compression straps could allow children to climb into the water.
Later this month, the commission will host a National Roundtable on Childhood Drowning Prevention to discuss additional strategies aimed at reducing drowning deaths across the country.
