Drowning Prevention

Summer is the ideal time to play in the water, from the pool to a lake or even the ocean, water is a great way to cool down from the heat. But as we participate in more water-related activities, summer is also the time of year when drowning is more likely to occur. There are over 4500 unintentional drowning deaths each year in the US. Drowning incidents and deaths from drowning are underreported, which means that the true number of drowning deaths is likely much higher than we think. Drowning can be prevented. Let’s talk more about this important subject.

Drowning is the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion or immersion in liquid. If a drowning victim is rescued at any time, the process of drowning is interrupted, which results in a nonfatal drowning. “Near-drowning” is an outdated term that is no longer used. Nonfatal drowning can result in serious disability, including severe brain damage. Any incident of submersion or immersion without evidence of respiratory impairment is considered a water rescue rather than a drowning.

• Drowning is silent and can happen fast, in as little as 20-60 seconds.
• Drowning is the single leading cause of death for children aged 1-4. No other single cause of death kills more toddlers and young children than drowning.
• Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death in children ages 5-14 (following motor vehicle crashes).
• Children younger than 1 year old are more likely to drown at home, often in a bathtub, a bucket, or even the toilet.
• Almost 70% of childhood drownings happen during “non-swim” times. In other words, when children are not expected to be near water, such as when they gain unsupervised access to pools.
• 88% of child drownings occur with at least 1 adult present.
• Even good swimmers can drown.
• It has been estimated that 80-90% of drownings are preventable.

• Children aged 1-4
• Males – Nearly 80% of people who die from drowning are male. Many factors might contribute to this risk, including increased exposure to water, high-risk behaviors, and alcohol use.
• Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and African Americans are at higher risk than white Americans.
• People with certain medical conditions, including seizure disorders, autism, and heart conditions.
• Individuals with little to no swimming skills
• Individuals who are intoxicated with alcohol or drugs, or people taking certain prescription medications.
• Individuals with increased access to water, such as children who live near an open water source or adults with an occupation such as commercial fishing.
• Individuals who swim or dive alone
• People who live in flood-prone areas
• Tourists unfamiliar with local water risks or features, including rip currents.