Child Drowning Statistics 2024

Child drownings are tragic and preventable events that impacts countless families each year. As a Personal Injury Attorneys at Sneed & Mitchell LLP, we understand the profound emotional and financial toll that drowning incidents can have on families and communities, especially when it harms children. 

By examining the latest drowning statistics, we aim to highlight key trends in drowning-related injuries and deaths, as well as underscore the importance of proactive safety measures. Our goal is not only to inform, but to empower individuals to take necessary precautions and advocate for safer environments. Explore this data with us to better understand how we can collectively work towards preventing these devastating occurrences. 

If you need the help of an experienced Drowning Injury Attorney, contact us using our confidential online form, or by calling (866) 434-0014 directly to schedule a free consultation.

Statistics on Child Drowning Injury

According to Stanford Medicine, approximately 830 children aged 14 and under drown each year in the United States. There are about 3,600 injuries due to near-drowning incidents among children annually. More than half of drownings among infants occur in bathtubs.

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1-4 years, and for children aged 5-14 years, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death.

The Demographics of Drowning Injury and Death Based on Age, Race, Gender, Location, and Medical Conditions

Here is a breakdown on notable drowning statistics based on demographics from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO):

Age plays a significant factor in drowning deaths. An average of 11 drowning deaths occur each day among children, totaling an estimated 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths each year. The second highest age group for drowning rates is adults above the age of 65.

Race correlations related to drowning rates show that American Indian and Alaska Native communities have the highest drowning rates, up to 2x higher non-Hispanic White populations. Non-Hispanic Black communities also face higher drowning rates, approximately 1.5x higher than non-Hispanic White demographics. Studies show these higher rates of drowning risk correlate with fewer socioeconomic advantages, and a lack of safe resources like well-maintained community pools.

Gender plays a statistical role in drowning risk, as males are twice as likely to drown compared to females. Males are also more likely to be hospitalized for non-fatal drowning-related injuries. This increased risk is attributed to several factors, including greater exposure to water, riskier behavior, and overestimating swimming abilities. 

Location differences affect drowning statistics, as the above-linked CDC data notes that drowning rates are higher in rural areas compared to urban areas, likely due to increased access to natural bodies of water. Apartment complex swimming pools are also high-risk areas, with those in low income areas often violating more safety standards. Likewise, Southern states in the U.S. tend to have higher drowning rates, possibly due to warmer climates and more occasions for water activities.

Medical conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show a significant risk of drowning injury. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children and adults with autism.

For children with ASD, this is often due to “elopement” behavior in which the child leaves a safe area or their caregiver without permission. This leads to drowning deaths in opportunistic locations like wells, cisterns, decorative ponds, and even toilets or buckets left unattended.

The Most Common Causes of Drowning

Factors that most frequently cause drowning injury and death include lack of trained adult supervision such as lifeguards, insufficient swimming skills, and unsafe conditions like overcrowding in pools, or strong tides in natural bodies of water.

Additionally, alcohol use, medications, and certain medical conditions like epilepsy can endanger an otherwise competent swimmer. Sudden emergency events like heart attacks can also contribute to drowning risk and injury.

Three Highly Effective Drowning Prevention Strategies

The top three effective strategies to prevent drowning are (1) individual swim lessons and water safety education, (2) trained supervision so that distress can be spotted and quickly remedied, and (3) installing safety equipment like sturdy railings, exit ladders, and access to floatation devices.

Another prevention aid is avoiding mixing vigorous or deep-water swimming with alcohol or drugs. Also keep in mind that it is possible to drown in shallow water, such as tide pools or hot tubs. Even a small amount of water can pose a risk, particularly if an individual becomes incapacitated, inebriated, or disoriented. A child can drown in as few as 20 seconds.

What Are the Signs of Drowning?

Drowning may not always involve splashing or loud noises. Key signs include someone struggling to keep their head above the surface, gasping for air, panicking and thrashing around, or becoming unnaturally still or unresponsive.

The Proper Emergency Response to Drowning

What should you do if someone is drowning? First, call emergency services immediately, or instruct a specific person nearby to dial 911. If it's safe to do so, attempt a rescue using a flotation device or rope, but avoid entering the water yourself unless you are trained in water rescue, as it could put you at risk. 

Once a suspected drowning victim is out of the water, it’s advised that you provide first aid and CPR until professional medical help arrives.

The Long-Term Effects of Drowning Injury on Survivors

Survivors of drowning may experience long-term effects such as brain damage, cognitive impairments, or physical disabilities, depending on the duration of submersion and the promptness of medical intervention. Post-drowning complications can also include respiratory issues or psychological effects such as PTSD.

Legal Steps to Take if Drowning Occurs Due to Negligence

If you believe that negligence played a role in a drowning incident, consult with a Personal Injury Attorney from Sneed & Mitchell LLP experienced in water-related accidents. We can help evaluate the case, gather evidence, and pursue compensation for damages, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other related costs. Contact us directly through our confidential online form, or by calling (866) 434-0014 for immediate assistance.

The Reasons We Track Drowning Statistics

Tracking drowning statistics serves several practical purposes that can significantly impact public health and safety:

Identifying High-Risk Groups 

By analyzing drowning statistics, we can pinpoint demographics that are most at risk, such as young children, the elderly, or individuals with certain medical conditions. This information helps tailor prevention strategies to those who need them most.

Improving Safety Regulations

Detailed data on drowning incidents can inform policymakers and regulators in crafting and updating safety standards for swimming pools, water parks, and other aquatic environments. This might include stricter supervision requirements, improved barrier regulations, or enhanced lifeguard training.

Guiding Resource Allocation

Understanding trends in drowning incidents can help allocate resources more effectively. For example, communities can invest in targeted educational programs or increase funding for water safety initiatives in areas with higher incident rates.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Interventions

Tracking statistics over time allows us to assess the impact of various water safety programs and interventions. This evaluation helps in refining approaches and implementing the most effective strategies.

Supporting Legal and Insurance Claims

In the context of personal injury law, detailed drowning statistics can provide crucial evidence in legal cases or insurance claims, helping to establish patterns, demonstrate negligence, or highlight the need for improved safety measures.

By tracking and analyzing drowning statistics, we can take meaningful steps towards prevention, better resource management, and ultimately saving lives.

Child Drowning Injury Attorneys Serving Families

In the United States, an average of two children under the age of 14 drown each day. That means every single day, families are devastated, communities shocked, and emotional wounds are created that can never fully heal.

Anyone can drown, at any age, and it can happen in less than a minute. Though statistics show that children are at alarmingly high risk, drowning accidents can affect any family or community, and can happen suddenly and often when least expected. The more information known about drowning risks and practical preventative measures, the more tragedies can be prevented.

A drowning death caused by negligence should be the subject of legal action. This holds caregivers and supervisors accountable for their vital responsibilities, and helps provide families with the resources they need to process their grief in peace and security. Additionally, personal injury cases regularly lead to public policy changes that can improve the safety of your community to the city, state, or nationwide level.

For legal representation related to child injury, drowning injury, or wrongful death, contact the experienced and compassionate legal team at Sneed & Mitchell LLP online or by calling (866) 434-0014 as soon as possible. What benefits you today could help save lives going forward.