local
It’s not clear why more young children are drowning — but here’s what you can do about it
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· July 18, 2026
· 7 min read
By Katia Hetter, CNN
(CNN) — Drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4 in the United States, and it’s getting worse.
After years of declining rates, child drowning deaths have increased since the Covid-19 pandemic, perhaps because of disruptions to swimming lessons and...
Key takeaway After years of declining rates, child drowning deaths have increased since the Covid-19 pandemic, perhaps because of disruptions to swimming lessons and public pool access.
Why this matters in The El Paso
In El Paso , where summer temperatures often soar, backyard pools and water parks are a common refuge for families. However, this increased access to water also elevates the risk of drowning, particularly among young children. The recent uptick in child drowning deaths nationwide should prompt local parents and caregivers to reassess their water safety measures. El Paso's community can benefit from the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations, which emphasize the importance of multiple layers of protection, including close supervision and barriers around pools. By implementing these safety measures, El Paso families can substantially reduce the risk of drowning and help prevent these tragic accidents. As the city's pools and water parks reopen for the summer season, it is crucial for local authorities and community organizations to promote water safety awareness and provide resources for families to learn about drowning prevention.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 7 min
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What is this story about? By Katia Hetter, CNN
(CNN) — Drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4 in the United States, and it’s getting worse.
After years of declining rates, child drowning deaths have increased since the Covid-19 pandemic, perhaps because of disruptions to swimming lessons and...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 18, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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