Knoxville, TN (WOKI / WVLT) — With swimming season right around the corner, the Knox County Regional Forensic Center is raising awareness about the dangers of drowning as part of National Water Safety Month.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 4,000 unintentional drownings occur each year in the United States, with many incidents happening in swimming pools.
Locally, officials say the statistics are especially concerning. The Knox County Regional Forensic Center reports drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages one to four that they investigate. Between 2019 and 2025, the center recorded 20 drowning cases involving young children.
Chris Thomas, director and chief administrative officer of the forensic center, says these tragedies are often preventable and deeply impact families.
“Losing a child is traumatic,” Thomas said. “Losing a child to a completely preventable situation is devastating, and all we want to do is continue to raise awareness in the hope that someone will change a habit and save a life.”
Officials emphasize several safety measures to help reduce the risk of drowning. They say parents and caregivers should never let their guard down around water. Installing a fence around home pools can also help limit unsupervised access.
In addition, experts urge people of all ages to wear lifejackets when swimming or boating in lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water.
Thomas noted that drowning deaths significantly outpace other causes investigated at the center. Over the same time period, the forensic center recorded 14 deaths from car crashes, making drowning a more frequent cause in these cases.
Officials hope increased awareness during National Water Safety Month will help prevent future tragedies and keep families safe as summer begins.
