As summer continues to draw people to pools, lakes, rivers, and beaches across the country, experts are raising a red flag: too many Americans are entering the water unprepared. Whether you’re planning a day at the water park or a weekend getaway on the coast, now is the time to prioritize swimming skills, CPR certification, and water safety knowledge.
Originally published by heart.org
Drowning Deaths Are Rising Again
After decades of decline, drowning fatalities in the U.S. are climbing again, with a significant uptick seen in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4,509 people drowned in 2022, with children under 4 and seniors most at risk.
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Drowning deaths among 1–4-year-olds rose by 28% between 2019 and 2022
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Males, American Indian, Alaska Native, and Black individuals continue to face disproportionately higher drowning risks
At American Lifeguard USA, we view these statistics not as numbers, but as preventable tragedies — and we’re working to build a culture of lifesaving literacy through expanded access to lifeguard training, CPR education, and swim readiness programs.
Prevention Before CPR
While CPR is essential, preventing drowning in the first place is even more critical.
“Ideally, every kid should learn how to swim,” says Dr. Katherine Berg, CPR expert and co-author of the American Heart Association’s 2020 CPR guidelines.
Yet many Americans lack basic water survival skills:
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Over 40 million adults report not knowing how to swim
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More than half have never taken a swim lesson
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Black adults are most likely to have not learned, due to historical, cultural, or access-related barriers
Organizations like Evolutionary Aquatics are addressing these disparities by helping adults overcome fear and stigma, encouraging swim education at every age.
The Role of CPR in Drowning Emergencies
CPR plays a lifesaving role in drowning situations, especially since cardiac arrest caused by drowning is usually respiratory in origin.
For drowning victims:
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CPR should include rescue breaths along with compressions
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Lay rescuers should not waste time checking for a pulse — if the victim isn’t breathing, begin CPR immediately
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If rescue breaths can’t be performed, continue chest compressions until help arrives
Even children as young as 11 or 12 can learn and perform CPR effectively.
American Lifeguard USA incorporates rescue breathing and child CPR modules into its standard lifeguard and public safety training programs, ensuring all rescuers are equipped to act under pressure.
CPR: The Lifesaving Bridge
When a drowning occurs, CPR becomes the critical link between rescue and survival. Because drowning leads to oxygen deprivation, chest compressions and rescue breaths are vital to restore circulation.
Additional Points:
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Hands-only CPR is effective for cardiac arrests, but drowning requires rescue breathing due to blocked airways.
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Early intervention improves survival odds by 3–4x, especially in children.
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CPR-trained bystanders are twice as likely to act in an emergency.
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AED (defibrillator) awareness is also key — especially at public aquatic venues.
American Lifeguard USA offers blended learning CPR and AED certification for the public and professional responders, ensuring flexibility and life-readiness.
Swim Training: A Social Equalizer
Knowing how to swim isn’t just a skill — it’s a survival necessity. Yet, disparities persist:
Additional Points:
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Black children are 5.5 times more likely to drown than white children in swimming pools.
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64% of Black adults and 45% of Hispanic adults have limited or no swimming ability.
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Historical segregation of public pools continues to impact access and perceptions today.
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Swim phobia, often generational, affects both youth and adults.
At American Lifeguard USA, we partner with local groups to remove stigma, teach confidence, and expand inclusion through culturally competent swim instruction.
Swim Education: The Foundation of Safety
Being able to swim is not the same as being water-competent. Drowning often occurs when people:
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Overestimate their ability in open water
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Don’t recognize dangerous currents, drop-offs, or underwater hazards
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Don’t wear life jackets or know how to use one properly
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Are impaired by alcohol or fatigue
“If you intend to be in or around water, you need to learn how to swim,” says Nadine Ford, who helps adult learners reclaim their confidence through education and exposure.
She encourages people to:
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Practice floating and controlled breathing
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Avoid jumping into unfamiliar water
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Know the environment, such as dam release times or tidal shifts
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Plan for the unexpected
Keeping Children Safe
Children require special care and supervision:
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Always use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets
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Avoid inflatable water wings or arm bands — these are toys, not safety gear
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Parents should remain within arm’s reach of non-swimmers
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Know the location of emergency phones and safety rings at pools
“Don’t rely solely on lifeguards,” Ford adds. “Watch your kids and be actively involved in their water experience.”
The American Lifeguard USA Commitment
At American Lifeguard USA, we go beyond traditional lifeguard certification. We champion accessible CPR training, promote community-wide swim safety, and advocate for equity in aquatics. Our instructors emphasize:
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Lifesaving CPR techniques (including rescue breathing)
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Preventive water safety for all ages
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Culturally sensitive instruction to reach underserved groups
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Real-world rescue scenarios to prepare trainees for emergencies
Article By Avani James
Avani James is a water safety advocate and contributing writer for American Lifeguard USA, focusing on public education in drowning prevention, CPR literacy, and aquatic safety equity. He is dedicated to making lifesaving knowledge accessible, actionable, and inclusive for all communities.
