ST. LOUIS – A non-verbal 4-year-old boy tragically drowned in Ballwin Tuesday night, according to the Ballwin Police Department, after previously being reported missing in the city.

The child’s passing highlights the critical need for water safety awareness as summer approaches.

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4, making it imperative for parents and guardians to focus on prevention strategies.

Lisa McMullin, president and founder of the Swim On Foundation, emphasized the importance of adult supervision and swim lessons to reduce the risk of drowning.

Children on the spectrum are also more likely to drown, underscoring the need for tailored safety measures.

McMullin recommended implementing fences, barriers and having an immediate emergency response plan to further enhance water safety.

As pool time and summer beach vacations near, prioritizing water safety can help prevent tragic incidents involving the youth.

The investigation into the child’s passing remains ongoing. No foul play is suspected in the incident, police say.

All facts from this article were gathered by KTVI journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence.  It has been edited and approved by KTVI staff.