Updated: Sep. 3, 2019
Originally Published: July 16, 2018
Trigger Warning: Child Loss
We never imagined that our family beach getaway would end with planning a funeral for our 3-year-old son. In just one week, we drove home from the beach without him and faced the unimaginable task of saying goodbye.
Did you know that drowning ranks as the top cause of death for children aged 1-4 and the second for those aged 1-14? Shockingly, 69% of children who drown aren’t expected to be swimming, yet they are found submerged in water. A child can drown in less than 60 seconds. Unfortunately, I learned these statistics the hardest way possible. On June 10, 2018, my son, Noah, drowned during our vacation in Fort Morgan, AL.
Many believe drowning only occurs while swimming, but it can happen even when you’re not near a pool. Imagine a child 200 feet away from the water, upstairs, munching on snacks, or wearing a bright shirt. Drowning is silent; it doesn’t involve splashing or screaming. It happens in mere seconds.
I have always prioritized water safety. In every snapshot of that tragic day, Noah is seen wearing a life jacket—flying a kite with his father, or enjoying M&M’s in a beach chair. It never crossed my mind that I would experience every parent’s worst nightmare. I still don’t understand how Noah slipped away from us while we were cleaning up after dinner or what drew him outside alone. I was the one who found him, face down in the pool. Just moments before, I had been sharing a brownie with him, the other half still in my mouth when I jumped in to save him. Mere seconds.
We had six doctors on our trip, including my husband. If love and skill could save him, Noah would still be here. They performed CPR immediately, even intubating him before the ambulance arrived, but it wasn’t enough.
In the days after losing Noah, I dove into research. As a parent of children aged 1-4, why was I unaware that drowning is the leading cause of death in that age group? Of course, I understood that drowning was dangerous, and I took precautions like swim lessons and life jackets. But why was I oblivious to the risks associated with non-swimming situations? How did I not know that it takes less than a minute for a child to drown?
While my mom-brain was consumed with worries about screen time, organic snacks, and safe sunscreen, I wish I had been more informed about drowning. Ironically, I had taken Noah’s iPad away just moments before he disappeared.
The more I uncovered, the angrier I became. Why aren’t drowning discussions prioritized? This is a leading cause of death and is entirely preventable. Yes, there are articles out there, but we’ve become desensitized to the annual reminders about watching kids while swimming. The reality is that Noah’s death feels like a weight I will carry forever. I failed him in keeping him safe.
For the past month, I have channeled my grief into action. I started a non-profit called Noah’s Legacy, dedicated to eradicating drowning. You can learn more about my mission and the importance of designated supervision at www.noahslegacy.com.
Here I am, a heartbroken mother facing an unimaginable future. Crying in bed won’t bring Noah back—oh, how I wish it could. I never wanted to become a water-safety advocate, but now I feel compelled to share the knowledge I desperately wished I had.
To the American Academy of Pediatrics, I urge you to help. I say this as someone who deeply respects the medical community. Many have reached out to me, expressing their shock at how little they knew about drowning risks.
I understand how much information pediatricians need to cover during well-child visits. However, drowning should be part of the conversation. Parents of young children, especially those aged 1-4, should receive clear information on drowning statistics. In the screenings, where I fill out whether my child can hold a crayon or hop on one foot, let’s include water safety education.
On July 11, 2018, a summer day when drowning should be a hot topic, the AAP website featured zero mentions of drowning on its homepage. While searching, I found a mere 17 articles on the subject, some dating back to 2014. The advice given often fails to address the silent nature of drowning, leaving parents unaware that a child can drown quickly and quietly.
Drowning is as deadly as any concern we prioritize, from safe sleeping practices to vaccinations. We need to start discussing this issue openly and seriously.
I’ve received support from numerous medical professionals who are already advocating for water safety. Thank you for stepping up. I hope the American Academy of Pediatrics will join this important cause.
I used to be the parent who would skim stories like this, looking for details to reassure myself that it could never happen to me. But tragedy is impartial; my son is gone. We have two daughters, Noah’s beloved sisters, and we cannot let them lose us too. Every moment is a choice. I choose to advocate, to shine a light on this issue because we can save lives.
We have a chance to change the future, to protect our children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Trust me, I never saw myself as a water-safety advocate until I was thrust into this role by grief. Drowning is a leading cause of death and is 100% preventable. We must do better.
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Summary:
In a heart-wrenching reflection, Sarah Wells shares her tragic experience of losing her son, Noah, to drowning during what was supposed to be a joyful beach vacation. She highlights the often-overlooked dangers of drowning, emphasizing that it can occur outside of swimming contexts and in mere seconds. Motivated by her grief, Sarah has established a non-profit organization to advocate for water safety awareness and prevention strategies. She calls on the American Academy of Pediatrics to prioritize discussions on drowning prevention during pediatric visits.