Menu: Parenting
By Sarah Thompson
Updated: Sept. 3, 2019
Originally Published: July 16, 2018
Trigger Warning: Child Loss
We never imagined we would cut our beach vacation short to arrange a funeral for our 3-year-old son. Yet, in just one week, we traveled to the beach, returned without him, and buried our precious boy.
Did you know that drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1-4 and the second leading cause for those aged 1-14? Shockingly, 69% of children who drown are not expected to be swimming. They can be found in water unexpectedly, and a child can drown in less than a minute. I learned these devastating facts in the hardest way possible. On June 10, 2018, my son, Noah, drowned while we were on vacation in Fort Morgan, AL.
Many people think drowning only occurs while swimming. However, drowning can happen when you’re 200 feet away from a pool, upstairs, eating snacks, or even while wearing a bright crab-hunting shirt. It’s important to understand that drowning is silent; it doesn’t involve splashing and yelling—it takes mere seconds.
I’ve always prioritized water safety. In every photo from Noah’s last day, he is wearing a life jacket—whether he was flying a kite or enjoying M&M’s in a beach chair. How could I have known that every parent’s worst nightmare would become my reality? It all happened so fast. I still can’t comprehend how Noah got away from us while we were tidying up after dinner, or what drew him to go outside alone. I was the one who discovered him face down in the deep end of the pool. Just moments before, I had been sharing a brownie with him. I still had half of it in my mouth when I jumped in to save him. Seconds—it all happened in seconds.
We had six doctors with us, including my husband, and if desperation and skill could save Noah, he would still be here. But how did I not fully grasp just how quickly a child can drown? They began CPR immediately and even intubated him before the ambulance arrived, but despite their swift actions, Noah could not be revived.
In the days following our loss, I began to research drowning extensively. As a parent of three young children, I thought I was informed about the risks. I was aware of the dangers of drowning while swimming, and we took precautions such as swim lessons and using life jackets. Yet, I was completely unprepared for the risk of drowning outside of swimming activities. How could I not have known it could happen in less than a minute?
I often find myself consumed by the minutiae of parenting—debates about screen time, organic fruits, and sunscreen without oxybenzone. I still cut my 9-year-old’s grapes. I buy DHA milk, worrying that her YouTube time might hinder her future. These are the issues I’ve been led to focus on. Ironically, I had taken my son’s iPhone away shortly before he slipped away from us; I wish I had been less concerned about screen time that night.
As I delved deeper into research, my frustration grew. Why are conversations about drowning treated as an afterthought? This is a leading cause of death that is entirely preventable. Yes, we see news stories, but we’ve become desensitized to the recurring reminders to supervise children while they swim. It’s easy to overlook faded “no lifeguard on duty” signs.
The painful truth is that Noah’s death weighs heavily on my shoulders. It’s a truth I never wanted to face: I failed to keep my son safe. This tragedy unfolded in mere moments, yet I now have to live with the knowledge that losing Noah was preventable. I don’t wish to shift the blame, but I can’t help but wish I had known these statistics before June 10.
In the past month, I’ve channeled my grief and anger into action. I founded a non-profit organization called Noah’s Legacy with the goal of completely eradicating drowning. My mission is to raise awareness about designated supervision and to educate families about water safety. You can learn more about my efforts at www.noahslegacy.com.
As a grieving mother facing a future I never envisioned, I know that lying in bed and crying won’t bring Noah back. I don’t want to be an advocate for water safety; I want those 30 seconds back from June 10. But I am resolved to share the information I wish I had known. Noah’s story has already reached many, but now it’s time to take the next step.
To the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), I am reaching out for your assistance. We need your support. I say this as someone married to a physician and who holds deep respect for my pediatrician. Many people have contacted me, expressing their shock and confusion over why they were unaware of these drowning risks.
I understand how much information pediatricians have to convey during well-child visits—from building rapport to addressing developmental milestones. The AAP has a critical role in prioritizing and equipping pediatricians with the necessary resources to inform parents and help prevent this tragedy. Parents, especially those with children aged 1-4, need clear handouts outlining drowning statistics. When I fill out developmental questionnaires about my child’s abilities, there should be a section dedicated to water safety.
The AAP has an excellent website for parents (www.healthychildren.org); however, on July 11, 2018, during the height of summer, “drowning” appeared zero times on their homepage. A search for “drowning” yielded just 17 items, mostly outdated articles that lacked urgency. This is unacceptable. We need more than just a checklist of signs indicating a child might be drowning—such as “eyes closed” and “not using legs.” Parents do not have the time to mentally check off items while trying to save their child from drowning.
A 3-year-old can drown in less than one minute—silently and without a struggle. Moreover, many articles fail to address that most drowning incidents occur when children aren’t swimming. Like any other parent, I’m navigating this journey the best I can, often relying on pediatric guidance and parenting articles. Drowning should be addressed with the same gravity as safe sleep practices, vaccinations, and car seat safety. It is just as deadly and, importantly, preventable. Let’s begin to talk about it openly.
I want to acknowledge that many pediatricians and healthcare professionals have reached out to me after hearing about Noah’s story. I am grateful and encouraged by their willingness to advocate for water safety and to be part of the solution. I sincerely hope the AAP will respond similarly.
I used to be the parent who read stories like this and looked for signs that it wouldn’t happen to me. But tragedy is indiscriminate. My son is gone, yet we choose to live purposefully amid our grief. We have two daughters—Noah’s older sisters—whom he adored, and we cannot let them lose us too. The pain is unfathomable, but every moment is a choice. I choose to breathe, to advocate. Though darkness looms, when I choose to illuminate the situation, I see goodness. People are hearing Noah’s message, questioning why they weren’t informed about drowning risks, and taking action.
We have the power to change the future and save lives—our children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. I never envisioned myself as a water safety advocate, but grief has thrust me into this role. Drowning is a leading cause of death and is entirely preventable. We must do better for our children.
Summary
This heartfelt piece recounts the tragic drowning of a young boy named Noah and explores the often-overlooked risks of drowning outside of swimming activities. The author emphasizes the need for greater awareness and education about water safety, particularly for parents of young children. In the wake of their loss, the family has established a nonprofit organization to advocate for drowning prevention and to ensure that other families are informed about the dangers. The author calls on the American Academy of Pediatrics to help disseminate vital information to parents about drowning risks, underscoring the importance of proactive measures in preventing such tragedies.
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