A 34-year-old Private First Class assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, died in a Sports, Recreation and Physical Training mishap 24 May 2025 in Raeford, North Carolina, at 1300 local. The Soldier was discovered submerged underwater at his community pool and then retrieved by other patrons arriving at the scene. He was immediately transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Additional information is currently unavailable.

Since FY20, the Army has lost an average of nine Soldiers a year to off-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training mishaps. This mishap was the fourth off-duty Sports, Recreation and Physical Training fatality of FY25 and above the number of fatalities for this same time last year. This was also the second off-duty water-related fatality of FY25.

Safety Tips

• Learn to swim. Basic swimming skills are essential for water safety. Formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning.
• Be aware of your limits. Don't push yourself beyond your capabilities, especially if you are a weaker swimmer. If you are a weak swimmer, wear a life jacket.
• Obey pool rules and signs. Public pools may have different rules regarding conduct and play, including allowed toys and attire. Pool rules are designed to protect swimmers, so follow them.
• Avoid alcohol. Avoid drinking alcohol before or during swimming or other water activities. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance and coordination.
• Use the buddy system. Always swim with a buddy. Choose swimming sites that have lifeguards when possible. The buddy system is especially beneficial for people with medical conditions that increase their risk of drowning.
• Take additional precautions for medical conditions. Know if your medical condition might increase your risk for drowning and take extra care. Take extra precautions around water if you or a family member have other conditions that can increase the risk of drowning.
• Consider the effects of medications. Avoid swimming if you take medications that impair your balance, coordination or judgment. These side effects increase the risk of drowning.
• Don't hyperventilate or hold your breath for a long time. Do not hyperventilate before swimming underwater or try to hold your breath underwater for long periods of time. This can cause you to pass out and drown. This is sometimes called "hypoxic blackout" or "shallow-water blackout.”

The Off-Duty Safety Awareness Presentation includes a section dedicated to water-related activities that contains statistics, contributing factors, prevention tips and other relevant information. You can download the full presentation or the Water-Related Activities breakout from the In the Spotlight Series at https://safety.army.mil/ODSAP.