TUCSON, Ariz. (June 25, 2025) -- School’s out and summer has kicked off. While many families are feeling relaxed, now is a critical time to stay vigilant about water safety, especially for young children.
Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that July is the deadliest month for drownings. Some 759 people reportedly died from unintentional drownings in the United States in July 2024.
Drowning is the No. 1 cause for death in children ages 1-4 years. Teenagers are the second-highest age group at risk.
Dr. Christina Colosimo, director of trauma outreach and injury prevention at Banner – University Medical Center Tucson, warns that even nonfatal drownings can cause severe, permanent damage in as little as four minutes.
“When someone begins to drown, their lungs struggle to take in oxygen, which rapidly decreases blood oxygen levels. The brain needs oxygen to survive, and without it, brain cells die quickly, causing irreversible brain damage or death,” she said.
Those who experience near drownings can suffer serious long-term effects, including permanent disability.
“Knowing CPR is critical in a life-or-death situation,” Dr. Colosimo said. “Learn it, practice it, and know when it’s necessary. If a child is pulled from the water, start CPR while calling 911, and get them to a hospital as soon as possible.”
Dr. Colosimo is available for media interviews to discuss drowning prevention strategies and critical care in emergency situations.
About Banner – University Medical Center Tucson and South
Banner – University Medical Center Tucson and Banner – University Medical Center South are part of Banner – University Medicine, a premier academic medical network. These institutions are academic medical centers for the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson. Included on the two campuses are Diamond Children's Medical Center and many specialty clinics. The two academic medical centers are part of Arizona-based Banner Health, one of the largest nonprofit health care systems in the country. Banner Health is in six states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada and Wyoming. For more information, visit bannerhealth.com/universitytucson or bannerhealth.com/universitysouth.
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