Six little kids have died in swimming pool drownings this summer: How to stay safe

Six Virginia children under the age of 5 have died in swimming pool drownings just since Memorial Day.

That’s just unimaginable, in terms of the grief for those families.

“These numbers are heartbreaking,” State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton said.

A press release from the Virginia Department of Health tells us that, in the last three years, Virginia had a total of nine pool drownings in children under 5 years old – three in 2024, two in 2023, and four in 2022.

Drowning is the leading cause of death in children between the ages of 1 and 4.

Between 2020 and 2024, nearly 500 people accidentally drowned in Virginia. Nearly a fifth of them were under the age of 19.

“Swimming and playing in pools can be fun, particularly on blistering hot days, but pools can also be dangerous,” Shelton said. “Families should take caution in and around pools. Children in pools should be supervised at all times, and pools should be gated and secured to prevent access when supervision is not available. Please consider enrolling children in swimming lessons. We want to do everything we can to prevent any more lives lost.”

Drownings happen quickly and quietly. Parents and caregivers can take the following precautions to help keep children safe in and around pools:

• Active supervision: Never leave a child alone near a pool/spa, bathtub, toilet, or standing body of water. When supervising children who are near the water, adults should be free from distractions.
• Swim lessons: Teach children basic swimming and water safety skills. Swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning. Children, even those who’ve had swimming lessons, still need close and constant supervision in or around water.
• Learn CPR: Bystander-initiated CPRcan make the difference in someone’s life while waiting for paramedics to arrive.
• Approved safety devices: Floaties, water wings, pool noodles and inner tubes are toys. These air-filled or foam toys are not designed to keep swimmers safe. Only use S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
• Barriers and alarms: Install barriers and alarmsto prevent children from gaining access to a pool or open water unsupervised.
• Avoid swimming after dark: Swimming after dark makes it hard to see if someone is drowning.
• Listen to the lifeguard: Make sure to listen to any directions from the lifeguard and follow all advisories. But remember a lifeguard does not replace the need for active supervision of any children in and around the water.

Visit swimhealthyva.com for more information.