NEW JERSEY — As families across New Jersey flock to beaches, pools, lakes, and waterparks to escape the summer heat, state officials are urging parents and caregivers to make water safety a top priority.
With drowning among the leading causes of injury-related death for children nationwide, the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) are highlighting strategies to prevent tragedy.
“Summer is a time for fun, but it can turn tragic in an instant if safety measures aren’t followed,” said DCF Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer. “Drowning is often silent and quick — it can happen in under 30 seconds. Vigilance is absolutely essential.”
“As we enjoy the water this season, it’s important to remember that swimming safety starts with awareness and preparation,” said Acting Health Commissioner Jeff Brown. “We encourage everyone to follow safety guidelines, supervise children closely, and pay attention to posted warnings to prevent accidents and protect lives.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 in the U.S. In New Jersey, an average of 10 children under age 15 drown each year, with many more experiencing near-drowning incidents. Drowning rates are higher among American Indian/Alaska Native and Black/African American children, according to the CDC.
“One child lost to drowning is too many,” said Laura Jamet, assistant commissioner for the Division of Child Protection and Permanency. “In nearly 90% of child drownings, there is at least one adult present but not attentive. These tragedies are almost always preventable.”
Children with autism are especially at risk. A 2017 study by Columbia University found that children with autism are more than 160 times more likely to drown than their peers. Most of these incidents involve children who wander away from caregivers.
Teenagers also face higher drowning risks, especially in open water settings. The CDC reports that drowning rates are nearly six times higher for males than females ages 15 to 19. Risk factors include alcohol use, overconfidence, and lack of supervision.
“Many parents may assume teens are safer swimmers, but overestimating their abilities and maturity can be deadly,” said Tamika Young, manager of DCF’s Fatality and Critical Incident Review Units.
To raise awareness, DCF has launched a statewide water safety campaign that includes downloadable posters shared online, on social media, and through its provider network. NJDOH has also launched a Water Safety Toolkit and used its social media platforms to promote safe swimming practices.
In April, Governor Phil Murphy officially designated May 2025 as Water Safety Month. NJDOH has also worked with the New Jersey Swim Safety Alliance to develop a statewide Water Safety Strategy, aiming to reduce drowning incidents by 30% by 2030. New Jersey is only the third state in the nation to establish such a comprehensive drowning prevention plan.
Data collected by NJDOH from regulated bathing facilities between 2018 and 2024 shows that the presence of a lifeguard reduces the risk of fatal drowning by 81%.
The state encourages residents to follow key strategies to prevent drowning:
- Swim in guarded areas.
- Provide constant, undistracted supervision.
- Install barriers and alarms around home pools.
- Enroll children in swim lessons.
- Use Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
- Learn CPR.
For more information and to download water safety materials, visit the NJDOH Public Recreational Bathing website.
