Officials issue swim safety reminder ahead of Fourth of July holiday as national drowning data ticks upwards

For the fourth of July holiday, swim instructors, pediatricians and other emergency personnel are reminding families to be safe.

Melanie Palmer

Jul 3, 2024, 2:19 AM

Updated 2 days ago

Share:

A troubling national trend is being seen in New York. New data shows drowning deaths are on the rise, especially involving children.
For the fourth of July holiday, swim instructors, pediatricians and other emergency personnel are reminding families to be safe.
The new data from the CDC is tracking a spike in the number of annual drowning deaths from 2019.
In fact, that data shows about 500 more drowning deaths each year between 2020 and 2022. According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages one to four. National data shows drownings increased by 28% among children in that age group in 2022 compared to 2019.
Across the state of New York, the number of drowning deaths has also increased within that same time frame. That's according to data on the state Health Department's website.
Those statistics show in 2019, there were around 100 drownings across the state. That number jumped to over 150 in 2020.
Medical professionals tell News 12 these statistics just highlight the need for swim classes starting at a young age. But above that, they say the No. 1 key to preventing these tragedies is parental supervision.
"It can be challenging to know when a drowning event is happening as well, some kids look like they are struggling but a lot of people don't look like they are struggling so having an eye on your child at all times is important," says Dr. Lance Paton, with the Maria Fareri Children's Hospital.
Dr. Lance Paton also recommends barriers or enclosures around pools to prevent children from running in unsupervised.
Swim classes are offered through Westchester County. They are available for both children and adults.


More from News 12
2:00
'I was scared when I heard the winds and saw the waves.' Flatbush resident stuck in Jamaica due to Hurricane Beryl

'I was scared when I heard the winds and saw the waves.' Flatbush resident stuck in Jamaica due to Hurricane Beryl

2:01
NYPD: 30-year-old man dies from gunshot wounds, 19-year-old injured in Morris Heights

NYPD: 30-year-old man dies from gunshot wounds, 19-year-old injured in Morris Heights

1:40
Patrick Bertoletti wins his first men’s title at annual Nathan’s hot dog eating contest

Patrick Bertoletti wins his first men’s title at annual Nathan’s hot dog eating contest

1:49
Bronxites enjoy sunny Fourth of July at Barretto Point Parks floating pool

Bronxites enjoy sunny Fourth of July at Barretto Point Parks floating pool

2:41
Hoboken plays host to perfect place for firework viewing from the Hudson River

Hoboken plays host to perfect place for firework viewing from the Hudson River

2:46
Large crowds take in Fourth of July fireworks on the Hudson River

Large crowds take in Fourth of July fireworks on the Hudson River

1:56
3 Long Island state park beaches reach capacity on Fourth of July

3 Long Island state park beaches reach capacity on Fourth of July

2:12
New park opens at Pier 42, offering playgrounds and more

New park opens at Pier 42, offering playgrounds and more

2:38
Thousands of New Jerseyans hit the roads for the Jersey Shore ahead of July 4 holiday

Thousands of New Jerseyans hit the roads for the Jersey Shore ahead of July 4 holiday

3:25
Defense rests in Sen. Bob Menendez’s federal bribery trial; senator declines to take stand

Defense rests in Sen. Bob Menendez’s federal bribery trial; senator declines to take stand

1:56
Newark Liberty International Airport travelers prepare for busy Fourth of July holiday rush

Newark Liberty International Airport travelers prepare for busy Fourth of July holiday rush

1:15
2 injured in Berkley Township crash that sent cars careening out of control near a home

2 injured in Berkley Township crash that sent cars careening out of control near a home

0:20
Danbury man pleads guilty to 2nd-degree murder in shooting death of Yonkers teen

Danbury man pleads guilty to 2nd-degree murder in shooting death of Yonkers teen

1:25
Fourth of July 2024: Celebrations and things to do around New Jersey this holiday

Fourth of July 2024: Celebrations and things to do around New Jersey this holiday

0:25
Police: Clark man charged with attempted murder following barricaded incident

Police: Clark man charged with attempted murder following barricaded incident

0:54
NYPD probe into attempted sexual assault in Central Park continues

NYPD probe into attempted sexual assault in Central Park continues

1:36
Nonprofit buys Hell's Kitchen buildings for affordable housing

Nonprofit buys Hell's Kitchen buildings for affordable housing

2:00
United Airlines expecting record numbers of travelers for Fourth of July holiday

United Airlines expecting record numbers of travelers for Fourth of July holiday

1:39
FDNY: At least 3 firefighters hospitalized after massive fire in Port Morris

FDNY: At least 3 firefighters hospitalized after massive fire in Port Morris

0:48
NYPD seeks public's help identifying Lower East Side assault suspects

NYPD seeks public's help identifying Lower East Side assault suspects