Drowning in Pennsylvania
In 2024, 108 Pennsylvanians died from accidental drowning. Thirteen of them were children under 5, and eight were children ages 5 to 14. (Pennsylvania Department of Health, 2024 death statistics, Table C-18B)
Lakes, rivers and reservoirs
Near us, families swim, paddle and fish at Canoe Creek State Park, along the Juniata River and at Raystown Lake. The Juniata River Water Trail runs more than 150 miles, from Canoe Creek State Park in Hollidaysburg to the Susquehanna River (Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission).
Open water isn’t a pool. Before you go:
- Check for a lifeguard. At Canoe Creek State Park, the beach is open from late May to September, and the state park’s own page says to swim at your own risk (Pennsylvania DCNR). Where there’s no lifeguard, you are the lifeguard.
- Swim with a buddy, never alone, and only where lifeguards are on duty when you can (American Academy of Pediatrics).
- Put young children and weak swimmers in a life jacket, even on shore. See life jackets for how to pick one that fits.
Cold water in spring and fall
A warm day doesn’t mean warm water. When water is colder than 70°F, falling in can cause cold water shock: an involuntary gasp that pulls in water, fast breathing, and trouble controlling your breathing or swimming (Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission). Cold shock can happen in water of 50 to 60°F and puts even confident swimmers at risk (National Weather Service).
Pennsylvania law: from November 1 to April 30, everyone on a boat under 16 feet, or in any canoe, kayak or paddleboard, must wear a life jacket (Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission).
Ice on ponds and lakes
Ice can look solid when it isn’t. Keep kids off frozen ponds and lakes unless an adult has checked the ice. Pennsylvania’s state parks recommend at least 4 inches of solid ice for one skater and at least 7 inches for a small group (Pennsylvania DCNR).
Flash floods and swollen creeks
Just 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult, and 12 inches of rushing water can carry away most cars (National Weather Service). After heavy rain, keep kids away from creeks, ditches and storm drains, and never drive through a flooded road. Turn around, don’t drown.
Boats and Pennsylvania’s life jacket rules
In Pennsylvania, children 12 and under must wear a life jacket on any boat 20 feet or shorter while it’s moving, and in every canoe, kayak and paddleboard (Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission). The cold-weather rule above adds everyone else from November through April.
Backyard and public pools
More than 7 in 10 children who die in a pool or spa drown at a home (CPSC, 2026). Stack every layer of protection you can, and check your above-ground pool against the compression strap recall.
At public pools, the Pennsylvania Department of Health says to have a responsible adult watch young children, even when lifeguards are on duty, use the buddy system, find the lifesaving equipment before you get in, and never go into water that’s cloudy (Pennsylvania Department of Health).
In an emergency, call 911.