Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - State health officials are urging parents to be extra vigilant about pool safety in light of data showing an alarming rise in child drownings this year.
To date, eight children under age five have accidentally drowned in Virginia pools in 2025 – an increase from the last three years (three in 2024, two in 2023, and four in 2022).
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) says it’s vital that adults provide supervision and not be distracted or engaged in other activities while their children are swimming, even if lifeguards are present.
Drowning can happen quickly, and children can drown in as little as just two inches of water. VDH says children should be constantly supervised, even in shallow water.
Health officials advise parents and guardians to take the following precautions to prevent drowning:
• Watch kids closely when they are in or around water
• Avoid distracting activities, like being on a phone.
• For preschool-aged children, “touch supervision” is recommended, where the supervising adult is within arm’s reach of the child.
• Consider having kids wear bright or neon colored swim suits that greatly contrast with the color of water. This may make them easier to see underwater.
You can find more tips on how to prevent drownings here.