Total Aquatic Programming has released their drowning stats for March 2022. These are looking even better than they did a year ago. That said, they still seem mostly on par with 2020 and 2019.
Read on to learn more about the drowning statistics and causes for last month.
Understanding the Drowning Statistics
Each month, the national drowning stats are compiled and shared by Total Aquatic Programming. These numbers give a clear comparison versus the previous 13 years of drowning statistics. With some insight, drowning safety experts can use these numbers to discover potential trends or hazards.
For example, these charts and maps may show an uptick in drownings for a particular age group, activity, or location. These drowning incidents were all recorded based on reports to reputable news sources. When water safety experts take time to fully explore these drowning stats and maps, they can begin to recognize potential dangers and then adjust safety education accordingly.
The basic drowning stats for March 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 who want to know more to check out our full Child Safety Source interview with Total Aquatic Programming’s Mick Nelson.
Chart: Drowning Stats for March 2022
The yellow highlighted row in this drowning statistics chart indicates the current year. As we mentioned earlier, the drowning stats for March 2022 are better than last year… but not better enough to warrant celebrating. In fact, they are relatively even with 2020 and 2019.
Total Aquatic Programming’s further analysis on their website breaks down a few key areas of concern. These were boating, hunting/fishing and faulty pool fences.
The Dangers of Boating and Fishing
Let’s take a few moments to discuss these issues. To start off, boating and fishing incidents could easily be connected. These activities are different from swimming, but still carry many potential drowning hazards. Unfortunately, far too many folks approach these activities without paying proper respect to the water.
When it comes to boating safety, wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket is critical. Beyond wearing a floatation device, you should know how to swim if you’re going to be near the water. You never know when disaster may strike, so it pays to be prepared.
Make Sure to Install a Sturdy Pool Fence
The next issue that led to many of last month’s drowning incidents was faulty pool fences. As a pool fence company, this one hits close to home. Pool fences are an incredible safety tool, but they must be both sturdy and properly installed.
A high quality fence can prevent a child or pet from accidentally falling into the water. It should be strong enough to resist pushing and pulling, and tall enough to prevent someone from climbing over. The fence should be able to withstand the elements and curious kids. To learn more, our detailed article about the value of a strong mesh pool fence can shed some additional light on the subject.
