The Missouri Highway Patrol reports an 80 percent increase in drownings and a more than 36 percent increase in total water fatalities through July 30 compared with 2025.
Only one of the 30 people who died in the water this year was confirmed to have been wearing a personal flotation device.
The highway patrol also recommends against trying to rescue someone by getting in the water. Instead, stay on land or boat and throw a personal flotation device or extend a pole and branch.
News release from the Missouri Highway Patrol:
The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to remind the public of the importance of water safety during the summer season. Between January 1 and July 30, 2026, the Patrol has responded to 27 drownings and 30 total water fatalities. That is an 80 percent increase in state-wide drownings, and more than 36 percent increase in total water fatalities from this time in 2025.
Drowning occurs quickly and, in many cases, the drowning itself is not actually witnessed. The victim is there one minute and gone the next. It’s important that those on the water take the necessary safety precautions. Life jackets and other styles of flotation devices are an important part of drowning prevention, whether boating or simply swimming from the shoreline or a dock. It is important for children to learn the habit of wearing a life jacket whenever they are around the water. State law requires children under seven to wear a life jacket while on a watercraft, but that is only a minimum requirement.
It is common for teens and even adults to overestimate their swimming ability, so even if a person chooses not to wear a life jacket, keeping a life jacket or other adequate flotation within reach is crucial. It is difficult to judge distance on the water, so what appears to be a short swim across a pond, lake, or river may be further than you think. The current on rivers may also extend your swim beyond your abilities. Panicking is a key component of drowning. The best way to avoid panic is to be prepared around the water. Once the struggle to stay afloat begins, it may be too late to retrieve a flotation device. Only one of the 30 water fatalities so far this year was confirmed to have been wearing a personal flotation device. The best practice is to always wear a life jacket while on the water.
As we get into what is typically the hottest weather of the year, help ensure you don't become a drowning victim. Make sure you and your loved ones are prepared when they hit the water.
Additional Prevention Tips
- Be aware of hazards such as current, waves, rocks, vegetation, and drop offs.
- Avoid alcohol. Alcohol impairs your judgement, balance, and coordination. You will also tire more quickly when under the influence.
- Use extra precautions if you have a medical condition that can increase your risk of drowning.
- Always swim with at least one other person.
- Never leave children unattended while on or near the water.
- Trying to rescue a person in distress in the water can be dangerous. The person in distress can often not think clearly, panic, and fight to climb on top of you, putting the rescuer in danger. The safest way to assist a person in danger of drowning is to help them from land or boat by extending a pole, branch, or throwing a flotation device to the person.