Gov. Braun Urges Precautions to Avoid Drowning Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend

Drowning is the leading cause of injury or death for children ages 1 to 4 years

Shutterstock photo.

INDIANAPOLIS - With Memorial Day marking the unofficial start of summer, Gov. Mike Braun and the Indiana Department of Health urge Hoosier families to prioritize water safety and take steps to prevent drowning.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of injury or death for children ages 1 to 4 years.

“Drowning can happen quickly and quietly, especially for young children,” Gov. Braun said. “As Hoosiers head into Memorial Day weekend and the summer season, I encourage families to make water safety a priority so everyone can enjoy Indiana’s lakes, pools, and waterways safely.”

Two-thirds of drowning deaths occur between May and August, and boys account for three out of four child drowning deaths. More information about water safety, including toolkits, potential hazards and training resources, is available on the IDOH website.

Follow these simple steps to stay safe around water this summer:

• Designate a responsible adult to supervise children closely and constantly. When they have access to water, assign a specific adult to supervise each child
• Wear a life jacket while boating and be aware of local conditions
• Avoid distracting activities like reading, using the phone, and consuming alcohol or drugs while watching children in or near water because drowning happens fast

“In 2018-2023, 127 Indiana residents younger than 18 years died due to drowning,” said State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver, M.D., FACEP. “These deaths can be prevented, so please take these precautions and stay alert while having fun in the water.”

Unfortunately, deaths due to drownings have increased in the United States since 2019, with more than 4,500 people drowning each year. Most of these deaths occur in residential swimming pools. IDOH recommends the following tips to enjoy pools safely:

• Prioritize teaching children how to swim
• Never leave a child unattended in or near water
• Ensure all pools and spas have compliant drain covers and teach children to stay away from drains
• Know how to perform CPR on children and adults

In partnership with the National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention, IDOH participates in the National Drowning Registry. Through this registry, local Child Fatality Review teams help conduct comprehensive surveillance of all pediatric drownings and standardize the investigation process to better understand the burden of drowning deaths among youth and prevent future fatalities from occurring. 

Visit the Indiana Department of Health at www.health.in.gov for important health and safety information or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/StateHealthIN.