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May is Childhood Drowning
Prevention Month
[May 23, 2025]
With summer just around the
corner, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
is reminding parents and caregivers of the importance of always
supervising children when they are in or near water to avoid the
tragedy of accidental drowning deaths.
“Children are easily attracted to water, and even turning your
attention away from a child near water for a moment to answer a
phone call or tend to a child in the next room can result in dire
consequences,” said Illinois DCFS Director Heidi E. Mueller.
“Drownings happen quickly and silently in as little as one inch of
water. We ask all caregivers to be responsible for watching their
children no matter how well that child can swim as not all drownings
involve waving, yelling and splashing. Please remember to be water
wise and supervise your children if you are near water this summer.”
In 2024, 19 Illinois children lost their lives to accidental
drowning: eight in pools, four in lakes, four in rivers, two in
ponds and one in a bathtub. Nine of the children were age 5 and
younger; including six of the children who drowned in pools.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
drowning deaths are on the rise in the United States, following
decades of decline. Drowning is the leading cause of death for
children ages 1 to 4, increasing 28% between 2019 and 2022; and the
second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages
5-14.
Follow these safety tips to help
protect children and prevent water-related tragedy:
Bathrooms
Never leave a young child alone in a bathtub or rely on a bathtub
seat for safety.
Secure the toilet lid. Curious toddlers could tip headfirst into a
toilet, risking drowning.
Don’t allow children to play alone in the bathroom.
Buckets
Five-gallon buckets commonly used for household home-improvement
projects pose a threat to babies and toddlers who may topple into
them and be unable to get out. Empty and store all buckets out of
children’s reach when not in use.
Portable or inflatable pools
Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security because of the
shallowness of baby pools. A child can drown in as little as one
inch of water. Empty the pool immediately after use and store it
upside-down.
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Swimming pools
and hot tubs
Appoint an adult who can swim to always watch children when they
are in the pool.
Enroll children in swimming lessons.
Keep ladders, patio furniture and toys away from above-ground
pools.
Install a four-sided fence with a self-closing, self-latching
gate around all pools and spas.
Young children can wear personal flotation devices, but do not
be lured into thinking these are able to prevent drownings.
Keep hot tubs securely covered when not in use. Children should
not be left in a hot tub alone.
Learn CPR and keep rescue equipment, a phone and emergency
numbers by the pool. The American Red Cross offers online CPR
training classes anyone can take at their own pace from the
convenience of home.
Ponds, fountains and retention ponds
Be aware of access to water hazards in your yard and
neighborhood. If a child goes missing, check these areas first.
For more information and water safety resources, including
posters and brochures, visit the DCFS website:
dcfs.illinois.gov/for-families/safety/water-safety.html.
About the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS):
Our vision is for every child and youth in Illinois to grow and
thrive in a loving family. To achieve this goal, DCFS promotes
the safety and well-being of children, youth, and families by
responding to reports of suspected child abuse and neglect and
providing family-centered care and connection to resources to
strengthen families and keep children safely at home. Our values
–?family focused, integrity, respect, empathy and equity – are
at the forefront of every decision we make to ensure children
are safe and families have the resources they need to succeed.
To make an anonymous report of suspected child abuse or neglect,
visit
childabuse.illinois.gov.
[Illinois DCFS]
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