CPSC Allocates $4 Million Grant Program to Combat Child Drownings

CPSC's $4 Million Grant Initiative for Drowning Prevention

On May 21, 2026, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced an essential new grant initiative aimed at addressing a critical safety issue facing young children: drowning. With a staggering statistic showing that drowning is the leading cause of death among children aged one to four, the CPSC is stepping up efforts to enhance safety measures at pools and spas, making grants of up to $4 million available to state, local, and tribal governments through its grant program.

Purpose of the Grants

The primary objective of these grants is to provide financial support to communities that seek to implement measures that could prevent drownings and drain entrapments. As expressed by CPSC Acting Chairman Peter A. Feldman, "Drowning deaths are preventable, and strong protections around pools and spas are critical to saving lives." This initiative underscores a broader commitment to ensuring that children are safeguarded against these preventable hazards.

Grants will be awarded in amounts ranging from $50,000 to $400,000 and can be utilized over a two-year timeframe to deploy various drowning prevention strategies. These funds can facilitate the training of pool safety inspectors, enhance water safety educational programs, and fortify existing safety laws to better protect children in aquatic environments.

Background and Previous Efforts

This grant program is established under the auspices of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB Act), which has been instrumental in reshaping safety policies around water activities. Since the commencement of these grants in 2016, CPSC has already allocated over $10 million to aid recipients focused on drowning prevention initiatives. The continuous funding reflects an ongoing evaluation of safety measures and a commitment to adapting to circumstances that contribute to drownings and entrapments.

Recent efforts have seen a concerted push towards strengthening program oversight to ensure that funds are allocated effectively and achieve significant safety outcomes. By placing accountability and transparent usage of resources at the forefront, the CPSC aims to guarantee that funded projects genuinely impact public safety.

Eligibility and Application Process

Eligible applicants for the grant program include state and local governments, Indian Tribes, and U.S. territories that uphold qualifying pool safety regulations as outlined by the VGB Act. Interested parties can access the application on Grants.gov under the grant opportunity CP-VGB-26-01, with the window for applications open until July 13, 2026.

CPSC encourages all appropriate jurisdictions to participate in this vital initiative and actively work towards enacting measures that can lead to safer pool environments. For more information, interested applicants are directed to visit PoolSafely.gov, where resources and guidance regarding application procedures and pool safety protections are readily available.

Contact for More Information

For any inquiries or further clarification related to the grant program, individuals can reach out to CPSC's Grants Management Specialist Lydia Glasgow or contact Program Manager Cynthia Gillham directly through their official communication channels.

This initiative by the CPSC represents not just a financial investment but a proactive stride towards ensuring children are safeguarded while engaging in recreational aquatic activities, essentially aiming to eradicate the tragedies associated with childhood drownings. It stands as a critical reminder to communities of the importance of ongoing vigilance and dedicated effort in creating a safe environment, particularly for the youngest and most vulnerable members of society.