FAQs
How many people in the United States drown per year?
According to the CDC, 12,040 people in the US drown per year. 8,080 of these accidents are non-fatal, and 3,960 of these drownings are fatal (CDC, 2022).
Does a person's ethnic or racial identity impact their risk of drowning?
Drowning rates in the US differ depending on ethnicity and race. In comparison to white Americans, Indigenous Americans/Indigenous Alaskans ages 29 and under are 2 times as likely to drown, and Black people are 1.5 times as likely to drown. Black children ages 10-14 are 7.6 times more likely to drown than white children of the same age (CDC, 2022).
What other risk factors increase a person's chances of drowning?
Not being able to swim, lack of close supervision, location, lack of proper swim gear such as life jackets, drinking alcohol, use of drugs and prescription medications, being between the ages of 1 and 4, being a boy or man, or having certain medical conditions such as a seizure disorder can increase a person's likelihood of drowning (CDC, 2022).
How can I make my swimming pool safer for family and friends?
The CDC has a wealth of tips to make your swimming pool safer for your friends and family. First, people in the water, especially children, should be always supervised closely—even if a lifeguard is present. Fences and barriers around the pool can help deter people from falling in or swimming when said supervision isn’t aware or available (CDC, 2022).
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022. Drowning Facts. [Online]
Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/facts/index.html
[Accessed 3 June 2022].