Story perspectives

Foundation Teaches 250K Kids Amid Rising Child Drownings

7/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

A 21-month-old boy’s 1989 drowning led his family to start a foundation that funds swimming lessons for 250,000 children.
U.S. child drowning deaths rose from 756 in 2019 to 865 in 2024 after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted swimming lessons and lifeguard training, creating a national lifeguard shortage.
The CDC Foundation trained 35,000 students in 11 high-risk states while the American Academy of Pediatrics urges lifeguard standards, life-jackets and fenced pools.

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Story summary

A 21-month-old boy’s 1989 drowning led his family to start a foundation that funds swimming lessons for 250,000 children.
U.S. child drowning deaths rose from 756 in 2019 to 865 in 2024 after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted swimming lessons and lifeguard training, creating a national lifeguard shortage.
The CDC Foundation trained 35,000 students in 11 high-risk states while the American Academy of Pediatrics urges lifeguard standards, life-jackets and fenced pools.