At Upper Valley Aquatic Center, water safety is our top priority. As we head into the busy summer swim season, it's important to understand the real risks—and how we can work together to prevent them.
According to Safe Kids Worldwide, drowning remains one of the leading causes of unintentional death for children in the United States. In 2023, most drowning deaths among kids ages 0–4 happened in pools or bathtubs, while children ages 5–19 were more likely to drown in open water like lakes or rivers. Boys are especially at risk, making up nearly three out of every four drowning deaths.
Most of these tragic incidents happen during the summer, especially in July. But the good news is: drowning is preventable.
What You Can Do:
-
Always supervise kids around water—without distractions.
-
Make sure children learn essential swim and water survival skills.
-
Use life jackets in and around open water.
-
Learn CPR—it can save a life.
-
If you have a home pool, ensure it’s fenced on all four sides with a self-latching gate.
We encourage all families to check out the infographic below, courtesy of Safe Kids Worldwide, for more detailed insights.
Let’s make this a safe, fun summer—for everyone.
