As we close the decade, let’s take one last look at 2019 U.S. drowning stats – this time for December. Each month, we share valuable information that can help concerned swimmers. For any loyal reader of the Life Saver Pool Fence blog, you know that we strive to prevent drowning danger in all its forms. These helpful statistics and detailed maps are a powerful tool for anyone who shares our mission. After all, drowning can occur at any time and to any one. We’ve shared countless stories of tragedy that could potentially have been avoided if people had taken the proper precautions.
One of the great features of these monthly drowning stats is that they pinpoint the ages and causes of certain accidents. By paying attention to trends and patterns, we can come to understand any potential gaps in our knowledge. In the end, education is one of the best weapons we have in combatting drowning danger.
U.S. Drowning Stats for December 2019
Each month, we share drowning stats that are meticulously collected by Total Aquatic Programming. The chart listed below compares numbers from December 2019 with numbers from the month of December 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 December 2019
| December | Total | Child 4-u | Child 12-u | Teen | Adult |
| 2019-Dec | 68 | 8 | 10 | 1 | 49 |
| 2018-Dec | 58 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 46 |
| 2017-Dec | 61 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 43 |
| 2016-Dec | 69 | 8 | 5 | 6 | 50 |
| 2015-Dec | 72 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 56 |
| 2014-Dec | 51 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 35 |
| 2013-Dec | 42 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 34 |
| 2012-Dec | 61 | 12 | 12 | 8 | 29 |
| 2011-Dec | 62 | 13 | 4 | 3 | 42 |
| 2010-Dec | 62 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 50 |
| 2009-Dec | 54 | 8 | 3 | 9 | 34 |
As you can see, while December 2019’s numbers aren’t the worst records in the 11 years being examined… but they aren’t exactly great, either. Across nearly all categories, there have been increases in the number of drowning deaths. The incidents involving teens stayed static between 2019 and 2018. Unfortunately, there was a marked increase in drownings for children 12 years old and under. In this case, there may be a lack of education. Perhaps swimming lessons and active supervision could have helped this situation.
Drowning Map for 2019
In addition to the December 2019 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 12-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. 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.
