The importance of water safety in today’s world
Reports show a concerning increase in drownings this summer across the nation and in the tri-state area. Various factors contribute to this surge, including unanticipated unsupervised access to water sources, lack of protective barriers and fencing, a shortage of lifeguards, dangerous currents, rip tides, and hidden water hazards.
In New York City, the number of drowning incidents at city beaches has surpassed last year’s total, with six fatalities recorded thus far, the highest since 2019. Victims this season include two teenage boys at Jacob Riis Park, a pair of sisters at Coney Island Beach, and two men at Rockaway Beach.
Throughout the region, Suffolk County in Long Island has seen an increase in backyard pool drownings, while New Jersey has also reported tragic incidents at backyard pools and along the Jersey Shore.
Recent data from the CDC reveals that the US is facing an unprecedented drowning crisis, especially affecting young children and African-Americans. Drownings among kids ages 1-4 have risen by 28% since 2019, and the rate for African-Americans climbed 28% in 2021 compared to 2019.
Various factors have contributed to the increase in drownings, including disruptions to swim lessons and water safety education due to the pandemic, and increased sales of backyard pools and hot tubs. Lack of swimming skills among adults, particularly in minority communities, is also a significant concern.
It is crucial to prioritize water safety year-round, as drownings can happen at any time and in any body of water. The CDC’s findings underscore the need for enhanced water safety measures to prevent these tragedies from occurring.
Advocacy efforts and policy changes are essential in addressing the nation’s drowning crisis effectively. Providing free training, increasing staffing, and ensuring access to swim lessons are crucial steps in preventing drownings and keeping communities safe.
Drowning is preventable with the right knowledge, preparation, and a comprehensive community approach. By working together, we can help prevent drownings and save lives.
Karen Cohn co-founded The ZAC Foundation in 2008 with her husband, Brian Cohn, after their six-year-old son, Zachary, drowned in a drain entrapment. The ZAC Foundation has funded free water safety and swim camps for more than 25,000 children in at-risk communities nationwide.
