Drowning statistics:

• Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children ages 4 and younger.
• Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death for youth ages 15 to 5.
• There are an average of nearly ten drowning deaths per day in the US.
• An additional 332 people died each year from drowning in boating-related incidents.
• More than 50% of drowning victims treated in emergency departments require hospitalization or transfer for further care. These nonfatal drowning injuries can cause severe brain damage that may result in long-term disabilities such as memory problems, learning disabilities, and permanent loss of basic functioning (e.g., permanent vegetative state).
• Nearly 80% of people who die from drowning are male.
• Minority populations are 10 times more likely to drown in swimming pools. Factors such as access to swimming pools, the desire or lack of desire to learn how to swim, and choosing water-related recreational activities may contribute to the racial differences in drowning rates. Available rates are based on population, not on participation. If rates could be determined by actual participation in water-related activities, the disparity in minorities’ drowning rates would be much greater.