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.

drowning stats 2018

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

US Children drowning map

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.