Chicago, IL – Illinois officials are urging families to designate a dedicated “Water Watcher” this summer as part of a statewide effort to reduce accidental child drownings during pool and beach season.
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Safe Kids Illinois, and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago announced the campaign during Childhood Drowning Prevention Month, emphasizing the importance of active supervision whenever children are near water.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5 to 14.
Officials said many drownings occur quickly and silently, even when adults are nearby.
To help prevent tragedies, Illinois DCFS created printable “Water Watcher” tags that identify the adult responsible for supervising children during water activities. The designated Water Watcher is expected to remain near the water, maintain constant visual contact with children, avoid distractions such as phones or alcohol, and call 911 during emergencies.
“In 2025, 24 Illinois children lost their lives to accidental drowning,” officials said. Twelve of those deaths occurred in pools, while eight happened in lakes, rivers, or ponds. Half of the children who drowned were age 5 or younger.
Safety advocates said assigning one specific adult to watch children removes confusion about supervision responsibilities during busy summer gatherings.
Families can download free Water Watcher tags and find additional water safety information through the Illinois DCFS website ahead of the Memorial Day holiday and summer swimming season.
