Drowning Statistics

Child Safety

• 1 in 5 people who drown are under the age of 14. 

• Children between the ages of 1-4 years have the highest drowning rate. 

• About 1 in 4 child drownings occur in a home setting. 

• Most drownings & near-drownings occur between the months of May through September, but adults should always be alert when children are present in a home that has a pool.  

• Nonfatal drowning injuries can cause serious brain damage such as: memory loss, learning disabilities and permanent loss of basic functions. 

Elderly Safety

• Elderly drownings account for nearly one tenth of all drownings. 

• Elderly drowning patients are more likely to experience cardiac arrest, hypothermia, and ICU admission. 

• Nearly 80% of people who die of drowning are male. 

• Most people associate pool fencing and safety barriers with children, but elderly should have fences surrounding swimming pools as well. 

Pet Safety

• An estimated 5,000 pets drown in swimming pools annually. 

• An animal who is underwater for at least 45 seconds will require emergency veterinary attention. 

• Young animals and smaller breeds of dogs are more likely to drown.

• Remember, not all dogs know how to swim or exit a swimming pool. 

What Can You Do to Keep Them All Safe?

• Swimming lessons help to reduce the risk of drowning. 

• CPR education is also useful to learn, especially when you are a homeowner who has a swimming pool. 

• Proper life vests according to the swimmers age and weight are necessary for children. 

• Safety fences are the perfect line of defense to protect your loved ones from the risk of drowning.