These are the U.S. Drowning Stats for May 2019. Each month, we take a close look at an updated set of the numbers below. They represent the overall drowning stats for the entire country.
The numbers and detailed maps come courtesy of USA Swimming. We’re given special permission to share these findings with our audience each month. How did we do with water safety as a nation in May? Well, take a look at these drowning stats to learn more.
U.S. Drowning Stats
Below, you’ll find a handy chart detailing the drowning stats for May 2019. It compares the numbers from May with other Mays going back to 2009.
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 May 2019
| Month | Total | Child 4 & Under | Child 12 & Under | Teen | Adult |
| 2019- May | 263 | 42 | 23 | 32 | 166 |
| 2018- May | 276 | 38 | 24 | 46 | 168 |
| 2017- May | 274 | 38 | 24 | 46 | 166 |
| 2016- May | 256 | 34 | 23 | 43 | 156 |
| 2015- May | 242 | 40 | 26 | 30 | 146 |
| 2014- May | 271 | 47 | 26 | 38 | 160 |
| 2013- May | 251 | 40 | 25 | 38 | 148 |
| 2012- May | 259 | 44 | 22 | 37 | 156 |
| 2011- May | 264 | 46 | 17 | 45 | 156 |
| 2010- May | 253 | 45 | 20 | 33 | 155 |
| 2009- May | 216 | 35 | 19 | 39 | 123 |
Unfortunately, the drowning stats for May 2019 are a bit grimmer than we’d like to see. However, we’ve seen increases in quite a few categories. For example, you’ll notice that the drowning rates for “children aged 4 & under” are the highest we’ve seen since 2014. It’s also the second highest this number has been since USA Swimming first began tracking this data.
By sharing these drowning stats and maps, we’re hoping to further educate our already safety-conscious readers. These stats collectively offer a brief overview of several dangerous drowning trends.
More importantly, they help to shine a light on some specific water safety measures that may be helpful to our readers.
Drowning Map for 2019
In addition to those stats, USA Swimming has begun to develop 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, the numbers inside each state represent the ages of the children, not the numbers 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 with every month, 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
More than anything else, education can help to prevent drowning danger. That is how we can all work together to help stem the tragic tide of drownings.
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.
