Seven months into 2025, the number of accidental drownings in Virginia involving children under age 5 has already surpassed totals from recent years.
According to the Virginia Department of Health, 13 children in that age group have drowned so far this year, compared to seven in all of 2024, eight in 2023, eight in 2022 and 12 in 2021.
At least eight of the 13 drownings occurred in pools, prompting the VDH to encourage parents and caregivers to take the Pool Safely Pledge.
The pledge, which is also available in Spanish, is part of a campaign led by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission that reinforces pool safety practices.
Read the full story in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
