Child drowning deaths in Florida have reached record highs, prompting a safety advocate to emphasize the importance of prevention measures.
“It’s like a magnet. Kids want to get to the water. If you have a backyard swimming pool behind your home, you should absolutely be fencing it off,” said Paul Demello, an advocate with Just Against Children Drowning.
Demello explained that fencing off pools is one of the most tangible ways to help prevent children from drowning. He also stressed the importance of swim lessons as a vital step for families.
“Swim lessons should be a child’s first sport. We have water all around us here in Florida: ponds, lakes, pools, canals. The list goes on and on,” Demello said.
According to the University of South Florida’s WUSF, child drowning deaths in the state reached a record high of 104 in 2024. That number increased to 140 in 2025, and so far this year, 92 child drowning deaths have already been recorded.
Demello said that knowing a few basic safety tips can make the difference between life and death. He recommended teaching children to lie on their backs as early as six months old and emphasized that adults should learn CPR, calling it a crucial skill.
To learn more about how to prevent child drownings, click here.