US child drowning deaths rise sharply, doctors call for stronger prevention measures

Child drowning is the leading cause of death for U.S. children ages 1‑4 and a top killer for ages 5‑14. After a decade‑long decline, deaths increased from 756 in 2019 to 865 in 2024, with most victims under five. Experts link the reversal to COVID‑19 disruptions of swimming lessons, a nationwide lifeguard shortage, and a surge in unattended home pools.

The tragedy that inspired the Stew Leonard’s “Stewie” safety foundation—where the founder’s 21‑month‑old son drowned in a pool in 1989—has spurred a push for broader water‑safety standards, pool‑fencing laws, and the adoption of new immersion‑alarm technologies.

Pediatricians and the CDC Foundation urge families to act quickly, emphasizing that “seconds matter” when a child drowns. They recommend constant supervision, swimming‑lesson access, and the use of safety devices to curb the rising trend.