Experts say swimming lessons, active supervision and water safety education can save lives. Here’s what parents should know and where to find local programs.
Drowning remains a serious public health concern for children in the United States, and Latino children have historically experienced higher drowning rates than some other racial and ethnic groups. The difference is not caused by ethnicity itself. Researchers have identified factors including lower access to swimming lessons, fewer opportunities for safe water exposure, socioeconomic barriers, and differences in water-safety education as contributors to these disparities.
Latino Children Face Higher Drowning Risks
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children in the United States. Children from some racial and ethnic minority groups experience higher drowning rates than White children.
Research has found:
Latino children have historically had higher drowning rates than White children, particularly among older children and adolescents.
Swimming ability is strongly associated with drowning risk. Studies have found that many Latino children report lower access to formal swimming instruction compared with White children.
Lack of swimming skills is one of the most important preventable risk factors for childhood drowning.
A national study published in the American Academy of Pediatrics journal found significant racial and ethnic differences in swimming ability among children. The study reported that many Black and Hispanic children were less likely to report strong swimming ability compared with White children, reflecting differences in access and opportunity rather than ability or interest.
Historical Drowning Trends Among Latino Children
For decades, drowning prevention researchers have documented unequal outcomes among children from different communities.
Historically:
Latino children have faced higher drowning rates compared with White children in several age groups.
The gap has been especially noticeable among teenagers, where swimming ability, supervision, and access to safe recreation spaces play important roles.
Young children remain vulnerable because drowning can happen quickly and silently, often in familiar environments such as home pools.
The risk is not limited to swimming pools. Latino children may be exposed to risks in:
Community pools
Lakes and rivers
Beaches
Irrigation canals
Bathtubs and household water sources
Autism and Additional Drowning Risks
Children with autism spectrum disorder face additional drowning risks compared with children without autism.
Research has found:
Drowning is among the leading causes of accidental death for children with autism.
Children with autism may be more likely to wander toward water, have difficulty recognizing danger, or experience challenges communicating during emergencies.
Water attraction and wandering behaviors can increase risk if safety measures are not in place.
For Latino families raising children with autism, challenges may include limited access to autism-informed swim programs, language barriers, cost, and availability of specialized safety resources.
Why These Disparities Exist
Experts point to several factors that influence drowning rates:
Limited Access to Swimming Lessons
Children who grow up with fewer opportunities to practice swimming may have less confidence and fewer safety skills around water.
Safety Information and Resources
Families benefit from clear water-safety education, including information about:
Pool barriers
Active supervision
Life jacket use
Emergency response skills
Language access can also affect whether families receive important safety information.
Learn CPR
CPR training can be lifesaving during a water emergency.
Create Safety Plans for Children With Autism
Families of autistic children can reduce risk by:
Securing pools and water sources
Using door alarms when needed
Teaching water-safety routines
Informing caregivers about wandering risks
Where Latino Families in Los Angeles Can Find Safe Swimming Programs
Los Angeles County and LA Area Community Pools for Kids
Hansen Dam Aquatic Center — Lake View Terrace
Swimming pool
(818) 899-3779
Located in the San Fernando Valley, this is one of the largest public aquatic facilities in the Los Angeles area. It offers a large swimming area, lifeguard-supervised activities, and youth aquatic programs.
Why families may consider it:
Large public swimming facility
Lifeguard supervision
Youth programs and water activities
Family-friendly environment
Jesse Owens Swimming Pool — South Los Angeles
Public swimming pool
(323) 241-6708
A public pool operated through Los Angeles Recreation and Parks. It is one of the city facilities that provides community swimming access.
Good for:
Families looking for a public pool option
Children learning water skills
Affordable community recreation
Hollywood Swimming Pool — Hollywood
(323) 460-7058
A City of Los Angeles public swimming pool that provides neighborhood access to swimming.
Good for:
Families living near central Los Angeles
Recreational swimming
Building water confidence
West Hollywood Aquatic & Recreation Center — West Hollywood
Swimming pool
(323) 848-6538
A community aquatic facility offering swimming opportunities and recreation programs.
Good for:
Families seeking structured aquatic activities
Year-round swimming opportunities
Van Nuys / Sherman Oaks Aquatic Center — Sherman Oaks
Swimming pool
(818) 783-6721
A San Fernando Valley aquatic facility that provides swimming access for children and families.
Good for:
Valley families
Swim practice and recreation
Low-Cost Swim Lessons Through LA Programs
Families looking specifically for swimming lessons can check:
Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Learn-to-Swim Program — offers beginner programs, including parent-child water introduction classes and youth swimming instruction.
SwimLA — helps families find nearby Los Angeles public pools and aquatic programs.
LA County Parks Aquatics — provides county aquatic programs, including learn-to-swim opportunities.
