Drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 5 years old in Florida. What can we do about that?

Drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 5 years old in Florida. What can we do about that?

Here are some statistics and some prevention links. Can swimming be taught in schools? Can we do better for parents that cannot afford swimming lessons? 

How many people drowned in Florida each year?

Florida has the highest total number of drowning deaths of any state, with 11,200 since 2019 and an average of 3,733 drownings per year.

• Drowning deaths are the highest they’ve been in the last five years, with 4,337 drownings taking place in 2021. In the past five years, a total of 19,625 drownings have occurred in the U.S.
• 1 in 5 people who die by drowning are 19 or younger. Children between the ages of one and four make up 1 in 6 of all drowning victims nationally.
• Hawaii has the most drowning deaths when normalized for population, with 3.38 deaths per 100,000 residents annually.
• Florida has the highest total number of drowning deaths of any state, with 11,200 since 2019 and an average of 3,733 drownings per year.

Where do most drowning deaths occur?

Most drownings happen in home swimming pools among children ages 1–4. About 40% of drownings among children 5-14 occur in natural water, and about 30% occur in swimming pools.

Who are the majority of drowning victims?

Nearly 80% of people who die from drowning are male. Many factors might contribute to higher rates of drowning among males, including increased exposure to water, risk-taking behaviors, and alcohol use.

How many people drown in pools in Florida?

More than 410 people have drowned in Florida pools. Nearly half of them were children. To break it down further, 156 were fatal drownings of kids under the age of 5 and 24 were between the ages of 5 and 14. Now, one reason our numbers are so high is because of the sheer number of residential pools across the state

What is the number one cause of death for children in Florida?

“[Drowning] is the leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 5 years old.

Drowning Prevention Links:

• Water Smart Florida
  The state coalition to help prevent drownings. Learn about safety and state laws. Information on partners and additional resources are available.
• Florida Department of Environmental Protection
  The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Coastal Management Program provides information on Florida’s beaches and safety. Learn about rip currents and flag meaning along with other ways to stay say in Florida’s natural areas.
• Pool Safely
  Pool Safely is a national public education campaign through the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission that works with partners around the country to reduce child drownings and entrapments in swimming pools and spas.
• Healthy Swimming Program
  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Healthy Swimming Program provides information for the public, public health and medical professionals, and aquatics staff so everyone can maximize the health benefits of swimming while minimizing the risk of illness and injury.
• National Drowning Prevention Alliance
  The NDPA recognizes and supports drowning prevention efforts for people of all ages and addresses drowning risks in all bodies of water, emphasizing research, awareness, and policy changes to impact the incidence of drowning.
• Pool and Hot Tub Alliance
  The Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) is dedicated to helping people live healthier lives through aquatics. Lean more about pool and hot tub safety.
• World Health Organization—Drowning Prevention