DES PERES, Mo. – Drowning is fast, often silent and more common than many people realize.

As part of Drowning Prevention Month, lifeguards, swim coaches and community members gathered at The Lodge at Des Peres on Wednesday night to hear a powerful message from a father who turned personal tragedy into a mission to save lives.

Bill O’Melia, co-founder of the Drennan’s Dreams Foundation, spoke to aquatic staff and the public about the loss of his son Drennan 15 years ago.

“A drowning is something that happens to other people until you’re other people,” O’Melia said.

He shared that his family took all the recommended precautions.

“We thought we had our bases covered. I mean, we had all our boys in swim lessons as early as we could,” he said.

Just one day before his death, Drennan won a swimming competition.

Drennan was an experienced swimmer, standing at 5’8″.

He drowned in a pool with two lifeguards on duty and 35 other children in the water. He was later found in only three and a half to four feet of water.

The presentation emphasized that drowning is often quiet and easily missed, especially as summer approaches and more families spend time at pools, lakes and beaches.

O’Melia’s goal is to help people recognize what drowning really looks like and understand that even strong swimmers are at risk.

Swim safety advocates at the event urged constant supervision, early swim lessons, pool fencing and staying within arm’s reach of children while they’re in the water.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported 35 drowning deaths across the state in 2024, up from 20 the year before.

“We’re putting a face to drowning prevention. It’s somebody’s son, it’s somebody’s friend, it’s somebody’s brother,” O’Melia said.

With Memorial Day approaching, the timing of the message is especially critical.

This weekend marks the final opportunity for individuals to get certified as lifeguards before the summer season begins.