US drowning deaths on rise
More than 4,500 people drowned in the U.S. each year from 2020 to 2022, about 500 more than in 2019.
Drowning is the leading cause of death among children aged 1-4. Among these children, drowning increased by 28% between 2019 and 2022. Adults 65 and older had the second highest rate of drowning, which increased by 19% between 2019 and 2022 in adults 65-74.
People of American Indian or Alaska Native descent had higher drowning rates than any other racial or ethnic group. While this group did not see an increase from 2020 to 2022, its rates remained highest. Black people have the second highest drowning rates, which increased by 28% from 2019 to 2021.
More than half of U.S. adults have never taken a swimming lesson. As summer approaches and more people are likely to be in the water, making swimming lessons more accessible can save lives. The U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan has specific recommendations for improving basic swimming and water safety skills training, focusing on increasing access to swimming lesson programs that meet community needs.
Read more: CDC
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