Another month has come and gone, so that means it is time to check out the latest U.S. drowning stats for November 2019. These statistics and detailed maps provide critical water safety information to parents, swimming instructors and other professionals. Any person who cares to learn about the trends and patterns of drowning incidents can learn something from these numbers. For example, a marked increase in drownings can signify a gap in our collective knowledge.
With that, let’s dive in to the U.S. drowning stats for November 2019.
U.S. Drowning Stats for November 2019
By now, most of our loyal readers should be familiar with the charts in this article. We provide them on a consistent basis so that we can better understand how we are doing from month to month when it comes to water safety.
The statistics listed below compare numbers from November 2019 with numbers from November in previous years going back to 2009. As always, this basic chart focuses on four key age groups and how they are affected by drowning:
- Children aged four and younger
- Children aged 12 and under
- Teenagers
- Adults, meaning anyone older than teens
Chart: Drowning Stats for November 2019
| November | Total | Child 4 & Under | Child 12 & Under | Teen | Adult |
| 2019 – Nov | 69 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 51 |
| 2018 – Nov | 72 | 12 | 2 | 2 | 56 |
| 2017 – Nov | 65 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 52 |
| 2016 – Nov | 78 | 22 | 8 | 3 | 45 |
| 2015 – Nov | 55 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 43 |
| 2014 – Nov | 64 | 10 | 5 | 9 | 40 |
| 2013 – Nov | 52 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 33 |
| 2012 – Nov | 86 | 12 | 3 | 3 | 68 |
| 2011 – Nov | 68 | 15 | 2 | 5 | 46 |
| 2010 – Nov | 77 | 18 | 7 | 3 | 49 |
| 2009 – Nov | 80 | 19 | 4 | 5 | 52 |
As you can see, the total number of drowning incidents is lower than it was in November 2018. At 69 total cases, we’re making excellent progress as the numbers steadily go downward. The highest number of November drownings was 86, as you can see on the chart, which took place in 2012.
For children under four, this month’s numbers are looking much better than last year. We only saw seven drownings versus twelve. Sadly, things aren’t quite so positive for older kids and teens. These numbers have unfortunately jumped a bit.
Finally, looking at the last category of U.S. drowning stats, the category of adults is in better shape than it was for past two years. 51 drowning incidents may still be far too high of a number, but at least it is a decline. To help lower these numbers even further, swimming lessons may be in order.
Drowning Map for 2019
In addition to the November U.S. drowning stats above, we have also been provided with two more graphics. The first is a nationwide drowning map for 2019. This map identifies “hot spots” of child drowning incidents on a state-by-state basis. Below, please take a look at the map. It has been updated to include all drownings through July 2019.
Understanding This Map
Please note that the numbers inside each state on this map 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.”
Where Do These Drowning Stats Come From?
These U.S. drowning stats and graphics are brought to us courtesy of Mick and Sue Nelson of Total Aquatic Programming, LLC. In addition to Life Saver Pool Fence, USA Swimming, the national governing body for competitive swimming in the United States, also uses this information,
If you are interested in learning more about the people behind this data, watch our full Child Safety Source interview with Mick Nelson. Additionally, you can visit Total Aquatic Programming’s official website.
