The drowning stats for September 2023 saw a nearly average number of drowning incidents as we’ve seen each year. That said, it saw a stark increase in incidents for kids 12 and younger. Teen drownings were also up during this time. As you can see, while the numbers are generally lower than the past few years, there is still a lot of work to be done.
Understanding the Drowning Stats for September 2023
Every month, our friends over at Total Aquatic Programming provide water safety experts with invaluable data on recent drowning incidents and their causes. This information acts like a beacon for water safety experts, helping them to keep a close eye on potential problems.
As usual, the drowning stats for September 2023 serve up some much-needed insights for potential improvements. Often, when experts crunch these numbers, they start to see patterns emerge. For instance, the summer months may see more boating incidents, as noted below. These patterns help experts to spot trends and shed light on areas in which additional education is necessary.
By diving into data that spans the past 14 years, experts can pinpoint areas that indicate areas in which we can do better. This approach is a game-changer for lifeguards, swim instructors, and safety enthusiasts.
Using this intel, they can come up with refreshed teaching techniques. Additionally, they can take action, such as placing extra warning signs near water bodies, and more. All of these strategies help water safety experts to join forces in a way that can reduce the chances of drowning danger.
These monthly drowning stats include:
- the date,
- state,
- city,
- county,
- age,
- gender of the victim,
- recorded ethnicity,
- body of water,
- and other relevant circumstances.
If you are interested in learning more, please check out our Child Safety Source interview with Total Aquatic Programming’s Mick Nelson.
Chart: Drowning Stats for September 2023
As always, we’ll start with some good news. The general number of drownings seems to be dropping as the years roll on. Overall, the trend seems to be drifting downward versus recent years.
That said, we always aim for zero drowning incidents. To keep this in mind, below are some of the problem areas we’ve seen recently. Once again, boating mishaps are the most prevalent. As it’s the end of summer, people often take more risks. This can be deadly.
Speaking of risks, we’ve seen a rise of “extreme sports”-related incidents in the September 2023 drowning stats. This can include life jacket and age-specific accidents. These risks can carry a heavy penalty. Read on to learn more.
Life Jacket Hope
Certainly, when it comes to the safety of children around water, there are two critical aspects we should approach with utmost seriousness: the use of U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets and implementing measures to protect children near water.
Let’s begin with the importance of children using U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets. These life jackets aren’t just an accessory; they are a vital tool for ensuring the safety of children in aquatic environments. Children, especially those with limited swimming skills, can find themselves in perilous situations in the blink of an eye. A well-fitted Coast Guard approved life jacket can be the difference between life and death.
It should be an unwavering rule that whenever children are near water, be it a pool, lake, river, or ocean, they are equipped with these specially designed life jackets. It doesn’t matter if they are strong swimmers or just wading in shallow waters. Accidents happen suddenly, and a life jacket provides an essential layer of protection.
Keeping Kids Out of Harm’s Way
Now, let’s address the strategies for protecting children near water, which require a serious approach. First and foremost, vigilant supervision is non-negotiable. Never underestimate how quickly a child’s behavior can change near water, even if they’ve been well-behaved in the past. Designate a responsible adult as the “water watcher,” and ensure there are no distractions.
Second, educating children about water safety is paramount. Teach them about the dangers of running near pools, the risks of pushing others into the water, and the importance of staying away from deep water without adult active supervision. Knowledge is a powerful tool in accident prevention.
Lastly, securing your home pool is essential. Install a fence with a self-locking gate to prevent unsupervised access. This additional layer of security is especially critical when you have young children or curious toddlers at home.
Hope Finds a Way
These positive trends show that awareness and safety measures are making a real difference. So, what can you do to contribute to this decline in drowning incidents? Share this blog with your friends and family to spread the word! Water safety is not a matter to be taken lightly, and these measures can save lives.
