Child drownings in the US are rising again, increasing from 756 in 2019 to 865 in 2024 and returning drowning to the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4.Experts say the reversal follows pandemic disruptions to swimming lessons and lifeguard training, a persistent lifeguard shortage and cuts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Foundation and the Stew Leonard Foundation fund tens of thousands of lessons and trainings.Medical groups including the American Academy of Pediatrics urge constant supervision, pool fencing, properly fitted life jackets and lifeguard standards as prevention; early data show a modest decline in some areas last year but rates remain above pre-pandemic levels.