TALLAHASSEE — Florida is on pace for another record year of child drowning deaths, according to state data and local officials, as authorities warn that the summer swimming season is placing children at heightened risk.
The Florida Department of Health says drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death among children ages 1 to 4 in the state. Its latest public health data show that Florida recorded more than 500 unintentional drowning deaths among residents in 2023, while the state's broader drowning figures have remained elevated in recent years.
State health officials have urged parents and caregivers to maintain close supervision around pools and other bodies of water, noting that drownings can occur quickly and without warning. The department says home swimming pools are a major location for child drownings, while infants can drown in small amounts of water, including bathtubs and buckets.
The warning comes as Florida communities and child-safety organizations increase efforts to prevent drownings during the peak summer season. Local officials in South Florida held a public event this week to raise awareness of rising drownings and encourage families to use multiple layers of protection, according to local coverage of the event.
Florida's official health statistics, maintained by the Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics, are based on deaths for which unintentional drowning is recorded as the underlying cause. The state's data system cautions that figures can be revised and that counts are based on the county of residence of the deceased.
The department recommends constant, attentive supervision of children around water, barriers separating pools from homes, swimming instruction and appropriate use of life jackets. It also promotes a state swimming-lessons voucher program for eligible families.
Nationally, child drowning deaths have also increased in recent years. Data cited by the Associated Press show U.S. drowning deaths among children rose from 756 in 2019 to 865 in 2024, with health and safety experts pointing to disruptions in swimming lessons and other factors.
Florida health officials continue to urge families to treat water safety as a year-round responsibility, with particular attention during the summer months when children spend more time in pools, lakes and other waterways.
