Drowning deaths are rising in Virginia waters. Here's how to stay safe
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Thirteen children under the age of five have died from drowning in Virginia so far this year, state health officials tell Axios.
Why it matters: It's a heartbreaking number by any measure, and reason enough to dedicate some space to drowning prevention tips on this World Drowning Prevention Day, especially given the incoming high heat.
Threat level: Of the 13 drowning deaths of children under the age of five this year, nine have happened in swimming pools and since Memorial Day, VDH tells Axios.
- That's the highest number of annual child drowning deaths in the state since at least 2021.
- Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4, according to the CDC.
- But it's not just children. There have been 23 other drowning deaths in the state so far this year, per preliminary data from VDH.
Stunning stat: Nearly 500 people died from accidental drowning in Virginia between 2020 and 2024, per VDH.
What they're saying: "This increase that we've seen is tragic," Briana Bill, VDH's environmental health coordinator, tells Axios. "We're just trying to do whatever it is that we can to educate people and empower them to take care of each other and to watch out for each other."
Zoom in: Here's what you need to know to keep yourself and family safe, according to Bill.
- 🪜Know what drowning looks like — a person's mouth is usually at water level, they are quiet and they look like they're climbing a ladder.
- 👀 Do not leave children unsupervised in any water at any time: "If your eyes aren't on them, get them out of the water," she says.
- 🚫 Restrict access to pools with gates and fences, including by removing the ladder from above-ground pools.
- 🛟 Teach your kids to swim, and if they don't know how, use Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Arm floaties, water wings and pool noodles are toys, not life-saving devices.
- 😮💨 Know CPR. "Bystander-initiated is the most effective way" to save someone who's drowning.
- 🌊 If you're on the James, be mindful of your surroundings. "Your spot may not move, but the river does," as do debris, downed trees and other hazards.
The bottom line: If you're in the water or in charge of children in the water, be alert, keep an eye out for each other, and don't leave children unattended.
- Go deeper with more water recreation safety tips from VDH.