Once again, it is time to take a look at the national drowning statistics for August 2019. As our regular readers know, each month we take a deep dive into detailed drowning stats from all across the country. By charting these numbers, we can recognize some specific water safety and drowning hazards to avoid. In addition, they allow us to see what ages and regions are in the most danger.
Without further ado, let’s explore the drowning statistics and maps for the month of August 2019.
USA Swimming’s Drowning Statistics
To begin, let’s look at the national drowning stats based upon the victims’ ages. The handy chart below comes to us courtesy of USA Swimming. We’ve been given special permission to reprint this information here on the Life Saver Pool Fence Blog.
As you can see, the chart compares drowning stats from August 2019 versus Augusts of previous years, extending back as far as 2009. When taken as a whole, these drowning statistics offer a brief overview of potential dangerous trends related to drowning.
The chart also focuses on how each of four key age groups have been affected by drowning:
- Children aged four and younger
- Children aged 12 and under
- Teenagers
- Adults, meaning anyone older than teens
Chart: U.S. Drowning Stats for August 2019
| Month | Total | Child 4 & Under | Child 12 & Under | Teen | Adult |
| 2019- August | 272 | 38 | 16 | 40 | 178 |
| 2018- August | 251 | 45 | 21 | 20 | 165 |
| 2017- August | 311 | 57 | 24 | 28 | 202 |
| 2016- August | 356 | 41 | 28 | 45 | 242 |
| 2015- August | 336 | 61 | 17 | 30 | 228 |
| 2014- August | 300 | 45 | 34 | 40 | 181 |
| 2013- August | 308 | 38 | 28 | 26 | 216 |
| 2012- August | 302 | 42 | 24 | 36 | 200 |
| 2011- August | 355 | 53 | 28 | 34 | 240 |
| 2010- August | 313 | 47 | 19 | 52 | 195 |
| 2009- August | 264 | 35 | 31 | 27 | 171 |
As you can see from the numbers, the statistics for August present a mix of good and bad. On one hand, we’re seeing significantly fewer drowning incidents being reported versus most of the previous years. However, for teens and adults there is a significant spike in incidents from this time last year. As always, it is important to remember that education can help to fight this problem. To this end, we have written two specific articles that may shine some light on drowning incidents. One is aimed at the dangers of teens and drowning; the other speaks about water safety tips for adults.
Drowning Map for 2019
In addition to the chart above, USA Swimming has developed an up-to-date nationwide map. This map identifies “hot spots” of child drowning incidents on a state-by-state basis. Below, please take a look at the map. It has been updated to include all drownings through July of 2019.
Understanding these Maps
Please note that the numbers inside each state represent the ages of the children, not the number of children. Each age represents one child. So, if a child was 10-11-12 years old, their age is underlined so as not to confuse as two separate numbers. For example, a twelve-year-old would be listed on the map as “12.”
What is the Origin of These Drowning Stats?
As mentioned above, these maps and drowning stats come from USA Swimming. This organization is the national governing body for competitive swimming in the United States. It is an extension of the United States Olympic Committee. In fact, USA Swimming is charged with selecting the United States Olympic Swimming team and any other swimming teams that officially represent the nation.
Above all else, USA Swimming sets the rules for competitive swimming in the United States. It employs coaches and helps to promote safe swimming.
To learn more, visit the official website for USA Swimming.
Further Reading
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