It is time once again to look at the U.S. drowning stats of the Month. This time, we’re looking at the numbers and maps from the drowning statistics for June 2019.
As our regular readers know, each month we examine the overall drowning statistics for the entire country to gain insight of current water safety and drowning trends. The charts and maps are offered courtesy of USA Swimming. We’re given special permission to share these findings with our audience each month.
So, when it comes to our nation’s water safety, how are we doing? Let’s take a look!
U.S. Drowning Statistics
To start us off, the handy chart below details the drowning statistics for June 2019. As you can see, it compares the numbers from June 2019 versus earlier Junes. This extends back as far as 2009. These stats collectively offer a brief overview of potential dangerous drowning trends.
The chart 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 June 2019
| Month | Total | Child 4 & Under | Child 12 & Under | Teen | Adult |
| 2019- June | 322 | 42 | 27 | 45 | 208 |
| 2018- June | 323 | 56 | 29 | 44 | 194 |
| 2017- June | 378 | 47 | 37 | 63 | 231 |
| 2016- June | 415 | 64 | 46 | 66 | 239 |
| 2015- June | 396 | 59 | 39 | 62 | 236 |
| 2014- June | 346 | 38 | 49 | 55 | 204 |
| 2013- June | 464 | 63 | 36 | 69 | 296 |
| 2012- June | 445 | 75 | 58 | 66 | 246 |
| 2011- June | 449 | 74 | 47 | 57 | 271 |
| 2010- June | 377 | 66 | 47 | 60 | 204 |
| 2009- June | 330 | 65 | 42 | 64 | 159 |
According to these drowning statistics, we’ve made decent progress in some areas… but lost ground in others. First, let’s start with the good news: this is the lowest number of total drownings recorded since USA Swimming began tracking this data in 2009. To that end, there have been some excellent improvements, particularly when it comes to young children.
Sadly, there have also been some increases. For teens and adults, the numbers are higher than they were in 2018.
Drowning Map for 2019
In addition to the chart above, USA Swimming has developed a nationwide map in order to identify state-by-state “hot spots” for child drownings. Below, please take a look at the map for the first quarter of 2019. With each passing month, this map will be enhanced and updated.
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
Like we always say, education is the key to preventing drowning. When more people understand the risks and proper safety precautions, we’ll all be better off.
If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Life Saver Pool Fence. Additionally, feel free to follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
