05/30/2026
May is National Water Safety Month, a time to remind families that drowning is preventable, yet it remains one of the leading causes of death for young children and people under 30.
Drowning rarely looks the way it does in the movies. Most people expect splashing or yelling, but drowning is often silent and can happen in less than a minute, even in just a few inches of water.
Bystanders are often the first line of defense. Research shows drowning victims are most often rescued by people nearby, not trained professionals, simply because they are closest to the incident. More than 60% of bystander rescues happen before help arrives.
“Everyone near water plays a role in keeping people safe,” said Wendy Vara, of the American Red Cross New Jersey Region. “Whether it’s a child, a friend or a stranger, you may be the only person in a position to recognize distress and respond.”
The American Red Cross urges families to stay actively engaged around water. Don’t just swim - watch.
May is National Water Safety Month, a time to remind families that drowning is preventable, yet it remains one of the leading causes of death for young children
