One Simple Lesson Reduces Your Child's Drowning Risk by 88%

Summer vacation means spending a lot of time around the water. Families create many happy memories at a lake house, a favorite beach, an exciting weekend at a water park, or a backyard pool. Many people think an accident in the water won't happen to their family, but safety must always be a priority. According to the CDC, more than 4,000 people die from unintentional drowning in the United States every year — and it remains the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4.

Drowning is something most families believe will never happen to them. But drowning accidents can happen to attentive parents who are actively watching their kids. If your vacation will involve significant time around water, learning the precautions to take can save a life.

Safety Precautions To Take Before Your Vacation

Water competency is essential for kids. Research published in JAMA Pediatrics found that formal swim lessons were associated with up to an 88% reduction in drowning risk for children ages 1–4 — though experts note this figure specifically applies to that age group, and supervision remains critical regardless of swimming ability. Experts now recommend enrolling children in swimming lessons starting around age 1, when many children begin walking and gaining access to water. Swimming lessons should be viewed as ongoing throughout childhood, not a one-time event. Even children who have had lessons benefit from refresher courses before vacations in new aquatic environments.