CPSC Report Highlights Persistent Risk of Childhood Drowning

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages one to four, according to a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) report. An average of 376 children under the age of 15 fatally drowned in pool- or spa-related incidents each year from 2021 to 2023. Nearly 80 percent of those victims were under the age of five. Fatal drownings are consistently the highest during the summer months (June, July and August), emphasizing the importance of ensuring children’s safety throughout the peak of swimming season. 

In addition, CPSC’s latest data show the following for children in the U.S. younger than 15 years of age: 

“Drowning remains the leading cause of death for children ages one through four, and this year's report makes clear that these tragedies continue to take an unacceptable toll on American families,” said Acting CPSC Chairman Peter A. Feldman. “As we enter the summer swimming season, parents and caregivers should remain vigilant around water and never leave children unattended. At the same time, the Commission is taking a fresh look at how we can more effectively reduce childhood drowning through the full range of authorities and resources entrusted to it by Congress.” 

Parents and caregivers can follow these simple steps to keep children safer in and around the water: