As New Jersey families flock to beaches, pools, and lakes to escape the summer heat, state health and child welfare officials are issuing a serious reminder: water safety can save lives.
Drowning remains one of the leading causes of death for children, particularly those under age 4, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, notes a recent news release from the New Jersey Department of Health. In New Jersey, an average of 10 children under 15 drown each year — and dozens more experience near-miss incidents.
“Summer is a time for fun, but it can turn tragic in an instant if safety measures aren’t followed,” said Department of Children and Families Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer in a recent news release. “Drowning is often silent and quick — it can happen in under 30 seconds. Vigilance is absolutely essential.”
Dangers for Children, Teens, and Vulnerable Groups
The risk is especially high for young children and teens, particularly boys, in natural water settings. The National Drowning Prevention Alliance notes that more drownings occur in lakes, rivers, and oceans than in pools. Overconfidence, alcohol use, and lack of supervision are key risk factors for teens, with males aged 15–19 drowning at nearly six times the rate of females in that age group, according to CDC data.
Children with autism face additional risk. A 2017 study by Columbia University found that they are more than 160 times more likely to drown than their neurotypical peers, often due to a tendency to wander near water.
“In nearly 90% of child drownings, there is at least one adult present but not attentive,” said Laura Jamet, assistant commissioner for DCF’s Division of Child Protection and Permanency. “These tragedies are almost always preventable.”
Safety Efforts and Tools for Families
Both the New Jersey Department of Health and DCF are ramping up public awareness efforts this summer. From a recent news release, officials shared that the state has launched a social media campaign, distributed free safety posters, and released a Water Safety Toolkit to help families prevent water-related injuries.
New Jersey is also one of just three states to adopt a statewide drowning prevention plan. Developed in collaboration with the New Jersey Swim Safety Alliance, the Water Safety Strategy aims to reduce drownings by 30% by the year 2030.
Data collected by the state between 2018 and 2024 shows that the presence of a lifeguard reduces the risk of fatal drowning by 81%.
Tips for Safer Summer Swimming
In the release, state officials outlined several key strategies for preventing drowning and keeping kids safe this season:
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Swim only in lifeguarded areas. Even with trained staff on duty, active adult supervision is critical.
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Assign an on-duty adult. The parent on water watching duty should avoid distractions like phones or reading while monitoring children in the water, even where lifeguards are on duty.
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Install pool barriers and alarms. These safety features around home pools can prevent up to 80% of child drownings at private pools. Alarms and secure gates add further protection.
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Swim lessons are beneficial. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends lessons for children as young as one year old.
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Use properly fitted life jackets. Air-filled float toys and arm floaties are not safety devices. Life jackets should always be used on open bodies of water.
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Learn CPR. Immediate bystander CPR can dramatically improve survival chances in water emergencies. Free or low-cost classes are available through the American Red Cross and other organizations.
Resources and More Information
The Water Safety Toolkit and other resources are available through the New Jersey Department of Health’s Public Recreational Bathing website. A list of lifeguarded beaches and lakes is available at njbeaches.njdep.rutgers.edu.
“With awareness, preparation, and close supervision, we can help prevent these tragedies and ensure safe summer memories for families across the state,” said Acting Health Commissioner Jeff Brown in a news release.
