Sunday, May 24, 2026
As pools, lakes, and beaches open, pediatricians are urging families to stack protections
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for kids 5 to 14.
The AAP and CDC recommend layering protections this summer: close, undistracted supervision, four-sided pool fencing, well-fitted life jackets in open water, and swim lessons starting as early as age 1.
No single step is enough on its own, but together they dramatically lower the risk.
A child can slip under in as little as 20 seconds, often without splashing or calling out. Stay within arm's reach of young swimmers at all times.
At gatherings, assign one adult to watch the water with no phone, no book, no drink. Hand off the role every 15 to 20 minutes to stay sharp.
U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets are the gold standard on lakes, rivers, and boats. Inflatable toys and arm floaties can fail and create false confidence.
A self-latching, four-sided fence that separates the pool from the house cuts drowning risk by more than half. Check that gates close fully every time.
The AAP supports parent-child water classes beginning around the first birthday, with formal lessons by age 4. Lessons reduce drowning risk but never replace supervision.
Memorial Day kicks off the months when two-thirds of pediatric drownings occur. Consider a brief water-safety prompt at every well-child visit through August: ask about pool access, life jacket use, and whether the family has a designated water watcher at gatherings. A 60-second conversation, plus a printed AAP handout, is one of the highest-yield injury prevention interventions you can offer this season.
Source: AAP Drowning Prevention Campaign Toolkit
