Drowning Prevention

Key points

  • Drowning is preventable.
  • CDC collects drowning data to understand trends and identify high risk groups.
  • We also evaluate drowning prevention strategies and pilot water safety programs with drowning prevention partners.
Father and daughter play in swimming pool.

Why it's important

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children 1 to 4 years old. It can happen in seconds and is often silent. Drowning can happen to anyone, any time there is access to water.

Drowning is preventable. View the At-a-Glance document below to see how CDC uses data and research to prevent drowning and save lives.

Drowning Prevention At-a-Glance PDF Cover
Drowning Prevention At-a-Glance PDF

Download At-a-Glance [PDF – 1 page]