Good pool safety conversations start with reliable information. This page collects current national figures from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Each figure links to its original source and states the period it covers.
These numbers describe nationwide data, not the risk at one particular pool or property. They are included as a research reference, not as a substitute for local requirements, safety guidance, or attentive supervision.
Current U.S. data
Key swimming pool safety statistics
376
children under 15 fatally drowned in pool- or spa-related incidents each year, on average.
This is the annual average for 2021 through 2023, reported by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, June 2026Nearly 80%
of children under 15 who fatally drowned in pool- or spa-related incidents were younger than 5.
The figure covers reported fatalities from 2021 through 2023.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, June 2026Over 70%
of reported fatal child drownings occurred in residential settings.
The CPSC defines these settings to include the child’s home, or the residence of a family member, friend, acquaintance, or neighbor, for 2021 through 2023.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, June 20265,900
estimated pool- or spa-related nonfatal drowning injuries were treated in hospital emergency departments each year, on average.
This is the annual average for children younger than 15 from 2023 through 2025.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, June 20264,000
fatal unintentional drownings occur in the United States in a typical year.
The CDC’s current summary expresses this as an estimate based on an annual average of 4,083 deaths from 2012 through 2021, and approximately 11 deaths a day.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, updated January 2026#1
drowning is the leading cause of death for U.S. children ages 1 to 4.
The CDC also identifies drowning as the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5 to 14.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, updated January 202654.7%
of U.S. adults reported never having taken a swimming lesson.
The estimate comes from a nationally representative survey conducted in October and November 2023.
Source: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, May 2024What the numbers make clear
Pool safety works best in layers.
The national data keeps the focus where it belongs: young children, residential settings, and consistent preparation. The CDC recommends layers that include close, constant supervision, swimming and water-safety skills, and barriers that separate a home pool from the house.
For a new or renovated pool, safety decisions deserve a place in the first project conversation, alongside the pool, patio, access, drainage, and the rest of the property. Explore Creative Edge’s custom pool approach or start a project conversation.
Methodology and sources
How to use this page
Figures are transcribed from public federal sources and retain the date range, population, and setting stated by the original publisher. Where a source reports an estimate or an average, this page says so. We will review this reference at least monthly and update it when a primary source publishes newer material.