GRANDparents Alert! Children Under Age Five, Drowning Leading Cause Of Accidental Death

For children under age five, drowning is a leading cause of accidental death, with rates even surpassing those of traffic accident fatalities in recent years, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on child drownings.

Swimming pools were the most common places where children under five drowned. Older children and adults were most likely to drown in natural bodies of water, whereas infants under age one and adults older than 85 were most likely to drown in a bathtub, according to the report.

In 1987, Life Saver coined the phrase “layers of protection” to describe the most effective way to prevent drownings. Almost 30 years later, everyone (including the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Drowning Prevention Alliance) recommends layers of protection.

See this article for the Layers of Protection  

Do This And Keep Your Grandchild From Drowning

It’ not just children who drown

All Florida’s drowning death rate revealed

·         Florida has the fifth-highest rate of drowning deaths, a new study has shown

·          There were almost 3,000 deaths during the period examined

·         Alcohol contributes to one in four emergency visits for drowning

As holiday celebrations get underway, experts are urging people to be mindful of water safety, particularly as alcohol consumption rises during the festive season. While drowning remains a year-round public health concern across the United States, CDC research shows that alcohol is involved in up to 70% of deaths linked to water recreation among adolescents and adults.

With those risks in mind, a new analysis by personal injury lawyers Anidjar and Levine highlights how drowning dangers vary nationwide, with northern and coastal states facing the highest rates. Drawing on CDC WONDER data from 2019–2023, the study shows these geographic patterns emerging at a time when US drowning deaths have risen by about 10% after decades of decline.

States with the highest drowning death rates

Florida’s findings

Florida places fifth, with a drowning rate of 2.45 per 100,000 residents.

With the longest coastline in the continental United States and thousands of inland water bodies, Florida faces year-round drowning risks. The state recorded 2,694 drowning deaths during the study period, the highest total number nationwide.

A spokesperson from Anidjar and Levine commented on the findings, “As families and friends gather for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, it’s important to recognise how alcohol can elevate the risk around water.

“Alcohol contributes to about one in four emergency visits for drowning, which is a sobering reminder that impaired judgment, reduced coordination, and risk-taking behaviour can turn a festive occasion into a tragedy.

“With holiday socialising and drinking on the rise, we hope these findings prompt people to be mindful of their surroundings and take extra care near water during the festive period.”

Full study

Alaska stands alone at the top with an alarming 5.02 drowning deaths per 100,000 residents, or 184 in total.

The state’s extensive coastline, numerous lakes and rivers, combined with extreme cold-water temperatures, create hazardous conditions for residents and visitors. Alaska is the only state with a drowning rate above 4 per 100,000 people.

In Hawaii, the drowning death rate reaches 3.88 per 100,000 residents, placing it second-highest nationwide. Between 2019 and 2023, there were a total of 277 drowning deaths.

Despite its status as a premier tourist destination known for water activities, the state faces significant ocean safety challenges. Hawaii recorded 277 drowning fatalities during the five years studied.

Louisiana ranks third with a drowning death rate of 2.66 per 100,000 residents, or 613 total drowning deaths.

The state’s abundant bayous, lakes, and Gulf coast access present multiple drowning hazards. Louisiana’s rate shows the southern state faces serious water safety challenges despite focused prevention efforts.

Montana holds fourth position with 2.61 drowning deaths per 100,000 residents. In the years examined, there were a total of 144 drowning deaths.

Despite being landlocked, Montana’s numerous rivers, lakes, and reservoirs create substantial risks. Cold water in mountain lakes and strong currents in rivers pose dangers to outdoor enthusiasts.

Florida rounds out the top five with a drowning rate of 2.45 per 100,000 residents.

With the longest coastline in the continental United States and thousands of inland water bodies, Florida faces year-round drowning risks. The state recorded 2,694 drowning deaths during the study period, the highest total number nationwide.

Arkansas ranks sixth with a drowning rate of 2.24 per 100,000 residents. The state’s 340 lives lost over five years show the significant human toll of these preventable incidents in a state with abundant water recreation opportunities.

Maine follows closely in seventh position with 2.22 drowning deaths per 100,000 residents. Its extensive coastline, cold water temperatures, and strong currents contribute to a drowning rate more than double that of the safest states.

Oregon ranks eighth with 2.07 drowning deaths per 100,000 residents. The state’s combination of Pacific coastline and numerous inland rivers and lakes creates multiple environments for potential drowning incidents, with 439 total deaths recorded.

Washington holds the ninth position with 2.03 drowning deaths per 100,000 residents. Similar to Oregon, its Pacific coastline and abundant inland waterways contribute to elevated drowning risks, nearly twice the rate of the safest states. A total of 783 deaths were recorded during the period examined.

Mississippi completes the top ten with a drowning rate of 2.00 per 100,000 residents. The Mississippi River, numerous lakes, and Gulf Coast access all contribute to water safety challenges in the state, which recorded 295 drowning deaths during the study period.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, several states show consistently lower rates of drowning deaths. These states often have different patterns of water recreation or more established water safety programs.

States with the lowest drowning death rates

Nebraska recorded the lowest drowning death rate in the nation at 0.98 per 100,000 residents. Despite having rivers and lakes, the state’s different patterns of water recreation may contribute to its better safety outcomes. Nebraska is the only state with a drowning rate below one person per 100,000 population.

Connecticut ranks second-lowest with a drowning rate of 1.04 per 100,000 residents. Though coastal, the state’s smaller size, developed shorelines, and potentially greater access to swimming education may contribute to its lower ranking. Connecticut reported just 186 drowning deaths over the five-year period.

Pennsylvania has the third-lowest drowning rate at 1.07 per 100,000 residents. Despite numerous rivers and lakes, the state maintains relatively low drowning statistics compared to others with similar water resources.

New Jersey ranks fourth-lowest with a drowning rate of 1.09 per 100,000 residents. While known for its coastal tourism, the state’s heavily monitored beaches and emphasis on water safety education may help explain its lower ranking. New Jersey recorded 498 drowning deaths over the study period.

New York completes the five states with the lowest drowning rates at 1.12 per 100,000 residents. Though home to extensive coastlines, the Great Lakes, and numerous inland waterways, New York maintains lower drowning statistics than states with similar water access. This is particularly notable given that New York has the fourth-highest population in the dataset.

Thanks to Anidjar and Levine (https://anidjarlevine.com) for conducting the research. 

Methodology and sources

Data from the CDC’s WONDER online database was used to determine the states with the highest and lowest rates of drowning deaths per 100,000 population, per year between 2019 and 2023.

Full state ranking