It is time to check in with Total Aquatic Programming’s drowning stats for April 2022. Unfortunately, the numbers for this year are worse than previous years. Many of the drowning incidents are related to boating mishaps.
Read on to learn more about the drowning statistics and causes for last month.
Understanding the Drowning Statistics
For the past few years, we’ve shared national drowning stats with our readers. These are compiled and shared by Total Aquatic Programming. These 13 years of month-by-month drowning numbers can help water safety experts to learn about possible dangers. Using this insight, these experts can explore potential trends or hazards.
As an example, these charts and maps may show an uptick in drownings for a particular age group, activity or location. Each of these drowning incidents were all recorded based on reports to reputable news sources across the country.
The basic drowning stats for April 2022 track more than 15 separate items from every drowning that occurs throughout the country.
These items include, but are not limited to:
- date
- state
- city
- county
- age and gender of the victim
- ethnicity, if recorded
- body of water in which the drowning occurred
- and several other circumstances that can help to provide some guidance in the prevention of future drownings.
As always, we encourage our readers to check out our full Child Safety Source interview with Total Aquatic Programming’s Mick Nelson to learn more about this invaluable organization.
Chart: Drowning Stats for April 2022
The chart above shows the latest drowning stats for April 2022. As we mentioned earlier, the drowning stats for April 2022 are compared to the previous 13 years. While this was not the worst April on file, it certainly appears that we have taken a step backwards.
To dig deeper into these statistics, further analysis on Total Aquatic Programming’s website breaks down a few key areas of concern. Boats, pontoons, jet skis and kayaks made up a major percentage of the drowning stats for April 2022.
Safety in the Open Water
As we saw last month, many of these drowning incidents are tied to some form of boating safety. Both kids and adults need to be extra careful when out on the open water. After all, a boat can be far bumpier and rockier than you expect. It is hard to totally predict the water conditions.
Before heading out in a vessel, be sure to check the weather report. It can warn you of possible trouble ahead. Additionally, make sure other people know that you are heading out, and when to expect you to come back. This can help you to make sure that the folks who care about you will be actively awaiting your return. Finally, be sure to wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket at all times while aboard a vessel of any kind.
Wheelchair Safety Near the Pool
A few of the drowning incidents this month involved people in wheelchairs falling into the water. Now, this can be a complicated issue. To quickly address an aspect of this, a pool fence can help to increase safety around the pool area. A sturdy, properly installed fence can block off access to the water or prevent a rolling wheelchair from sliding into the pool.
For more information, read this article about the value of a strong mesh pool fence.
