Trends over recent years indicate drowning deaths are increasing in the United States, showing just how important water safety and affordable swim lessons are for people of all ages.

A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights that more than 4,500 people died due to drowning each year from 2020 through 2022, which combines to average 500 more per year compared to 2019.

The May report notes the spikes in unintentional drowning — specifically noticeable for children ages 1 to 4 and older adults — coincides with the COIVD-19 pandemic, but also lower self-reported swimming skill and swimming lesson participation for the groups most affected.

Though the lack of swimming skills may very well relate to the pandemic era, when gatherings like swim lessons were complicated by health concerns, we think it’s important that trends like this not be ignored.

Sure, not everything from the pre-pandemic era needs to return. We’ve learned to live without the jam-packed calendars and standing too close to each other in grocery lines, but basic swimming and water safety skills training and swim lessons are worth working into your schedule as they can reduce drowning risk.

Remember, however, even children who have had swimming lessons require close and constant supervision when in and around water.

The CDC notes this is relevant for pools and bathtubs alike, and suggests assigning a specific adult to supervise each child when they have access to water.

Further, adults responsible for watching children should not multitask while doing so. The CDC says to avoid reading, using the phone and consuming alcohol or drugs, explaining that “drowning happens quickly and quietly.”

Other advice listed by the CDC includes wearing life jackets, learning CPR and using the buddy system.

— TL