Drowning is the leading cause of death among young children, according to the report of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Many children are celebrating their last day of school this week, but it coincides with a strong warning about drownings.

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission released its annual report and found that drowning remains the leading cause of unintentional death among children ages 1 to 4. Almost 400 children under the age of 15 drown each year as of 2019 and the number continues to rise! The latest data also show racial disparities between African-American and Hispanic families.

“About 23 percent of deaths where race was known were African-American children, and that number increases even more at older ages, between 5 and 14, where it's almost half at 45 percent,” he said. CPSC spokeswoman Nychelle Fleming.

These racial inequities are top of mind for Nic Askew, who is Howard University's Director of Swimming and Diving. It is the only HBCU swimming and diving team in the country.

He is also a father of three young children and knows the dangers that parents face when their children are in the water. Askew said he and his team of swimmers go out into the community and partner with youth groups and schools to advocate for every person to learn to swim.

“We need to continue to break down challenges and barriers; the myth that black people can't swim is a barrier we need to break out of that narrative,” Askew said.

Philadelphia Public Pools Offer free swimming lessons for children and adults throughout the summer.

Experts suggest appointing a water watcher for children in the pool, who should not be distracted by looking at their phone or reading a book. Your only responsibility is to watch the children.