Child drowning risk continues to increase, new report warns

Credit to ABC News/Aryana Azari

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)- Child drownings are on the rise, according to a report by The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Child drowning deaths have increased each year since 2015 and that number could significantly rise in 2021.

Experts nationally and locally warn that the pandemic has also put young swimmers at risk.

“It’s a huge impact when people don’t get into the water and there’s a gap and someone hasn’t been swimming in two years, there are skills that are forgotten,” Greater Providence YMCA Aquatics Director Brendan Roy said.

“It was really hard for people to access swimming lessons last year,” Dr. Ben Hoffman, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Injury, Violence and Poison Prevention, told “Good Morning America.” “And from what I understand this year, it still remains challenging, because things have booked up pretty early.”

While drownings have become a national issue, it’s something we’ve seen locally as well.

Three people including a 10-year old girl have drowned in the past month at Conimicut Point in Warwick.

While some drownings are unavoidable, Roy says the majority can be prevented.

“It’s really a heartbreaking thing to see because we know that 99% of drownings…there’s always some decision or some choice that could have been made.”

If you’re a parent bringing your kid to swim for the first time since the pandemic, here’s what you should do.

“Get in with them, make sure you’re comfortable with their ability and the water you’re putting them into. Know the beach know the pool or pond you’re bringing them to so if you’re comfortable with it so are your kids.”

ABC6 spoke with Kristen Felt, a parent with her kids at North Kingstown Town Beach Tuesday.

She told ABC6 she goes over safety with her kids before they even arrive at the beach.

“I actually showed them a video about rip currents and what to look for but it’s really about keeping your kids close and having them understand the importance of water safety,” Felt said.

“As we enter the summer months, parents and caregivers must be mindful of the pandemic’s impact on their children’s swimming ability and water safety skills,” Robert Adler, the CPSC acting chairman, said in a statement.

Other advice from the CPSC includes never leaving a child in or near water unattended and installing proper barriers around a pool.

“Make sure that you designate someone to keep an eye on the children in and around the water each and every time,” Nychelle Fleming of the CPSC said.

But chiefly among these tips is making sure children know how to swim.

“As pools start to open up, I think it’s very important for parents to sign their children up for swim classes and get those kids learning how to swim,” Mularoni said.