When you think about drowning prevention, your mind probably conjures images of sunny beaches, crowded pools, and active summer days. While summer undeniably brings a peak in water-related activities and incidents, the truth is that drowning is a year-round threat that demands our attention far beyond the warmer months. Treating drowning as a summer-only issue is a dangerous oversight. Water — in many forms — is present year-round, and risk never really shuts down. 

Drowning is a silent and swift killer, often happening in mere seconds and with little to no splashing or struggle. It’s a leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide, and its impact is felt by families and communities every single day of the year.

The Big Picture: Drowning Is Still a Leading Killer

• Globally, there are about 300,000 drowning deaths every year. 
• In the US, more than 4,500 people drown annually in recent years (2020-2022) — up from around 4,000 before.
• Drowning is the leading cause of death for kids aged 1-4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for those 5-14.
• Many nonfatal drowning incidents result in serious long-term health consequences, such as brain injury or memory problems.

These numbers are alarming — and they underscore that drowning prevention should always be part of our care, not just something we think about when the weather gets warm.

Why Drowning Risk Isn’t Limited to Summer

Let’s break down how and why drowning can happen even (or especially) when it’s not pool season.

Everyday Water Hazards Exist All Year

We often overlook minor but dangerous water hazards at home:

• Bathtubs, buckets, toilets, sinks — toddlers can drown in very shallow water.
• Rainwater collecting in buckets or planters, puddles, or clogged gutters — these are still risks, especially for small children.
• Fish ponds, decorative water features, and indoor pools or spas remain active dangers even in cooler months. 

Even people who know how to swim can be at risk — for instance, slipping, fainting, or losing consciousness can turn any body of water into a danger point in seconds.

Swimming Skills Fade Without Practice

Swimming isn’t a one-and-done skill. Without regular practice, it can deteriorate. That’s why many swim schools advocate year-round lessons, especially for children:

According to the Journal of Pediatrics, formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88%.

In other words, the more consistently people maintain their skills — even during the off-season — the safer they tend to remain when they return to the water.

Weather-Driven Risks: Cold Water, Floods, Ice

In non-summer months, different water hazards emerge:

• Cold water triggers a cold shock response, causing even experienced swimmers to gasp or panic.
• In many places, rivers, streams, and creeks can flood in spring or fall, creating strong currents.
• In regions that experience freezing temperatures, ice can crack unexpectedly. Someone who falls through ice may get trapped underwater.
• Storms or heavy rain may carry debris, creating new underwater hazards (e.g., branches, submerged structures).

These risks are easy to overlook because we don’t always think of water as “active” in the off-season.

Vulnerable Populations Remain at Risk Year-Round

• Young children, especially under age 5, are especially vulnerable and often drown in home settings. 
• Older adults also face elevated drowning risk — especially if they have mobility, balance, or health impairments.
• Disparities in access to swim lessons and water safety education mean some communities are more exposed to risk even when water seems less relevant.

What Year-Round Drowning Prevention Looks Like

If we accept that drowning prevention is a 365-day responsibility, what practical steps can people, families, and communities take?

Parents and Caregivers

• Ensure constant, attentive supervision around all water sources (even indoors).
  
• Empty buckets, tubs, and containers after use.
  
• Secure fencing and gates around pools or ponds.
  
• Keep life jackets or flotation devices ready.

Swim Educators and Schools

• Offer year-round swim and water safety courses.
  
• Encourage refresher or maintenance sessions during the off-season.
  
• Emphasize skills such as treading water, rescue techniques, and safe entry and exit.

Communities and Local Governments

• Maintain safe public aquatic facilities (indoor pools, rec centers).
  
• Promote public awareness campaigns year-round, not just during the summer.
  
• Support neighborhood-level water safety education.
  
• Enforce pool barrier and fencing laws and codes.

First Responders and Health Agencies

• Track nonfatal drowning and near-drowning data year-round.
  
• Provide CPR and rescue training broadly.
  
• Develop and publicize guidelines for floodwater, stormwater, and ice safety to ensure the safety of all individuals.

Help Us Prevent Drowning

Drowning prevention isn’t a summer campaign; it’s a year-round commitment to safety. By understanding the risks, implementing preventive measures, and remaining vigilant, we can all help reduce drowning incidents and save lives, regardless of the season. Let’s make water safety a priority every single day.

Together, we can end the heartache of losing a loved one due to drowning. Your gift is an opportunity to help us prevent drowning through funding our water safety outreach programs, including initiatives that target schools and community groups to keep everyone safe. You can also participate in our Water Safety Challenge to assess your family’s or community’s water safety competence and help us deliver water safety outreach to schools and community groups, keeping everyone safe.