Trigger Warning: Child Loss
We never imagined we would cut our beach vacation short to plan a funeral for our three-year-old son. Yet, in just one week, we drove to the beach, returned without him, and held his funeral.
Are you aware that drowning is the leading cause of death in children aged 1-4 and the second leading cause for those aged 1-14? Shockingly, 69% of children who drown were not expected to be swimming and can be found in water. A child can drown in less than a minute. Sadly, I understand these statistics all too well. On June 10, 2018, my son, Noah, drowned while we were vacationing in Fort Morgan, Alabama.
There’s a persistent belief that drowning only occurs while swimming, but it can happen even when you are nowhere near the water. It can take place 200 feet away from a pool, while your child is upstairs playing, or even just a few steps away at dinner. Drowning isn’t the splashing and yelling that you might expect; it is silent, and it happens in mere seconds.
I’ve always prioritized water safety. In every picture from Noah’s last day, he is wearing a life jacket—whether he was flying a kite with his dad or lounging in a beach chair. How could I have known that I would face every parent’s worst nightmare? It happened so fast. I still don’t know how Noah slipped away while we were cleaning up after dinner, or what drew him outside alone. I was the one who discovered him, face down in the deep end. Just moments before that horrifying moment, I had shared a brownie with him, still tasting the other half when I jumped into the pool to save him. Just seconds.
On that trip, we had six medical professionals, including my husband, with us. If it were a matter of love, skill, and desperation, Noah would still be here. Yet, I never fully grasped how quickly a child could drown. They initiated CPR immediately, even intubating him before the ambulance arrived. Sadly, despite their efforts, Noah could not be saved.
In the days following his death, as we struggled to move forward without our sweet boy, I began to research drowning. I was on my third journey as a parent of a child in the 1-4 age group. How could I not know that drowning is the leading cause of death? I understood the importance of life jackets, swim lessons, and close supervision during swimming, but I was oblivious to the dangers of drowning during non-swimming times. How did I not realize it could happen in less than a minute?
Why was my mind preoccupied with debates about screen time, organic snacks, and sunscreen? I still cut my nine-year-old’s grapes. I buy DHA milk. I worry about the impact of too much screen time on my kids’ futures. Ironically, I had taken Noah’s iPhone away moments before he slipped away. I wish I had paid less attention to screen time that night.
The more I dug into the research, the angrier I became. Why are drowning discussions often treated as background noise? This is a leading cause of death, and it is entirely preventable. Yes, there are news stories, but we’ve become desensitized to the annual reminders to watch children while swimming, or the faded “no lifeguard on duty” signs at pools.
The harsh truth is that Noah’s death rests on my shoulders. These are the most difficult words I have to confront: I failed to keep my son safe. Yes, the accident happened in moments, but the reality I must live with is that losing Noah was preventable. I’m not trying to shift the blame, but I wish I had been aware of these statistics before June 10.
For the past month, I have channeled my grief and anger into action. I established a nonprofit called Noah’s Legacy, with the mission of completely eradicating drowning. You can learn more about my mission (and the importance of designated supervision) at Noah’s Legacy.
As a grieving mother facing an unimaginable future, I find myself advocating for water safety. Lying in bed and crying won’t bring him back. I don’t want this role; I want those precious seconds back on June 10. But I am committed to sharing the facts that I wish I had known. Noah’s message is reaching people, but it’s time to escalate our efforts.
American Academy of Pediatrics, I am reaching out for your assistance. Thousands of people have contacted me saying, “I had no idea. Why didn’t I know this about drowning?” I recognize how much pediatricians have to cover during well-child visits—building relationships, answering questions, preparing for milestones, and examining squirming children. However, drowning is a leading cause of death and must be prioritized.
Parents of young children, particularly those aged 1-4, should receive handouts that clearly outline drowning statistics. During check-ups, there should be discussions on water safety alongside developmental milestones. The AAP has the platform and power to reach millions. Please, take action.
On July 11, 2018, amidst summer, “drowning” was not mentioned once on the AAP’s homepage. When I searched, I found only 17 items, with outdated articles at the top. These articles contain information that is unengaging and not helpful. They reinforce the misconception that drowning involves splashing and yelling. A three-year-old can drown silently in under a minute.
Drowning needs to be addressed with the same urgency as safe sleep practices, vaccinations, and car seat safety. It’s just as deadly and just as preventable. We must start talking about it.
I want to acknowledge the many pediatricians and medical professionals who have reached out to me about Noah’s story. I am grateful and encouraged by those already advocating for water safety and who wish to be part of the solution. Thank you. I hope to receive the same response from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
I used to be the parent who would read stories like mine and look for a loophole, desperate for details that would exempt me from such a nightmare. But tragedy doesn’t discriminate. My son is gone, yet we choose to live purposefully amid this profound grief.
We have two daughters, Noah’s older sisters, whom he adored, and we cannot allow them to lose us too. This pain is unimaginable, but every moment is a choice. I choose to advocate and to breathe. Though the darkness threatens to overtake me, I see goodness when I choose to shine a light. People are hearing Noah’s message, questioning why they weren’t aware of the truths about drowning, and taking action.
We can change the future, saving countless children and families. I never envisioned myself as a water safety advocate, but grief has propelled me into this role. Drowning is a leading cause of death and is entirely preventable. We can do better for our children.
Summary:
Emma Collins shares her heart-wrenching story of losing her son, Noah, to drowning, highlighting the often-overlooked risks associated with water safety. She emphasizes the need for greater awareness and education regarding drowning, which is a leading cause of death among young children, even outside of swimming scenarios. Through her nonprofit, Noah’s Legacy, Emma is determined to advocate for water safety and prevent similar tragedies.