Many Pennsylvania swimmers may be looking to enjoy the summer months by spending as much time as possible in a swimming pool. These pool lovers should be aware that drowning is a risk to swimmers of all ages and skill levels. In recent years, the number of drowning deaths that have occurred in Pennsylvania and across the U.S. highlights the ongoing need for water safety awareness.
While children are more likely to drown than adults, most people who drown each year in the United States are over the age of 14. A person can drown without giving any sign of distress. Children often slip under the water without being noticed, and adults sometimes go under if they have a seizure that is caused by a medical condition or if they have been drinking or doing drugs.
The highest drowning rates occur among children ages 1-4, and there are significant disparities in death rates among different demographic groups, with some communities facing greater risks due to limited access to swimming lessons and water safety resources. In natural bodies of water, currents or other conditions may cause even a good swimmer to be pulled under or unable to swim to safety. Weather conditions such as wind, clouds, and temperature can increase drowning risk, and flooding can also create dangerous water hazards.
It is advised that children who swim should be watched by an adult at all times. In addition, homeowners with swimming areas should fence in their pools and take other precautions to keep uninvited guests out of the area. Homeowners might not be held responsible for an adult drowning in their pool, particularly if the adult was trespassing. However, laws often make homeowners responsible for the pool safety of all children.
Homeowners may be liable if a child, even one who was trespassing, drowns in their swimming pool. The effort and support required from communities and local organizations are essential to make swimming lessons and water safety training accessible to all, and to develop a comprehensive drowning prevention plan.
Many drowning incidents have occurred over the decades, and research shows disparities in access to swimming lessons and water safety skills, especially among at-risk populations. It is important to never drink alcohol while swimming or supervising swimmers, as alcohol consumption increases the risk of drowning.
When someone is injured on someone else’s property, the injured person may be entitled to compensation. In the case of drowning, public or private pools owned by businesses such as hotels often have lifeguards and warning signs to protect swimmers. However, the presence of such safeguards does not mean that a business cannot be liable for injuries or drowning.
Ongoing research and data collection are needed to inform prevention strategies, and it is important to compare drowning data year over year (year compared) to evaluate the effectiveness of prevention efforts. Drowning prevention takes place over a long period and requires intense training for lifeguards and a coordinated plan. An investigation could be performed to determine liability in any accident that happens on a business or personal property.
When discussing pool safety and prevention, it is important to note that as humidity decreases, the body feels cooler, which can affect perceived risk when swimming in warm weather.
Legal responsibility for drowning incidents has evolved over decades, but disparities in access to water safety resources and accessible training persist, making continued effort and planning necessary to protect all community members.
The Rising Threat of Drowning in Warmer Weather
As temperatures climb and summer approaches, the risk of drowning deaths rises sharply across the nation. In recent years, drowning has remained a leading cause of death for children ages 1-4, with over half of these tragic incidents occurring in swimming pools. The threat is not limited to young children—people of all ages face increased risks as they seek relief from the heat in pools, lakes, and other bodies of water. Investing in swimming lessons and ensuring everyone has basic swimming skills are proven prevention efforts that can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88%.
With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, it’s more important than ever to prioritize water safety and take proactive steps to protect loved ones. By understanding the importance of prevention and making water safety a priority, families can enjoy the summer while reducing the risk of drowning deaths.
Understanding the Risks
Drowning can take place in a variety of settings, from backyard pools to open water, and even in seemingly safe environments like bathtubs. Certain groups face a higher risk of drowning, including children, older adults, and those with medical conditions that may affect their ability to swim. One of the most significant risk factors is drinking alcohol—over half of all drowning deaths involve individuals who had consumed alcohol before swimming or boating.
Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making accidents more likely. Another critical factor is the failure to wear life jackets, especially during boating or when swimming in natural bodies of water. To reduce the risk of drowning, it’s essential to designate a sober adult to supervise swimmers, ensure everyone wears life jackets, and educate both children and adults about water safety. These simple steps can make a life-saving difference.
Climate-Related Factors
The impact of climate change is making drowning prevention more urgent than ever. Extreme weather events—such as floods, storms, and heatwaves—are occurring with greater frequency and intensity, leading to a higher risk of drowning. Warmer temperatures encourage people to spend longer periods in and around water, increasing exposure to water hazards. In recent years, drowning deaths have spiked during floods and severe storms, underscoring the need for robust prevention efforts.
Governments and families must collaborate to invest in flood resilience, disaster preparedness, and early warning systems to reduce drowning risk. By understanding how climate-related factors contribute to higher drowning rates, communities can develop targeted strategies to save lives and protect vulnerable populations during extreme weather events.
The Importance of Awareness
Awareness is a powerful tool in the fight to prevent drowning deaths. Despite the risks, over half of parents admit they do not always supervise their children while swimming, which can lead to tragic outcomes. Teaching both children and adults basic swimming and water safety skills is essential to reduce the risk of drowning and save lives. Investing in lifeguard training and ensuring that pools and beaches are equipped with proper safety measures—such as self-latching gates and clear signage—can further decrease drowning rates. Adults play a crucial role by modeling safe behaviors, like wearing life jackets and swimming with a buddy, setting a strong example for younger swimmers. By prioritizing water safety education and prevention efforts, families and communities can make a significant difference in reducing drowning deaths and promoting a culture of safety around water.
Established in 1952 by Irwin S. Rubin, Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C. boasts over 65 years of experience serving clients throughout Pennsylvania. Renowned for its commitment to ethical representation, the firm has garnered prestigious accolades, including being named the “Best Law Firm” for its outstanding legal defense work by U.S. News & World Report. Their team of seasoned attorneys, recognized as Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars, brings unparalleled expertise to a wide range of legal matters, ensuring exceptional representation for individuals, families, businesses, and organizations.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
Pennsylvania Attorney's
September 16, 2025
