It’s that time of the month again: when we take a look at the U.S. Drowning stats from the previous month. This time around, we’re looking at March 2019.
At Life Saver Pool Fence, our top priority is water safety. Fortunately, we’re not alone in this struggle. There are many other organizations that are dedicated to stopping the threat of drowning dangers once and for all. For example, we’ve been given special permission from USA Swimming to host its U.S. drowning stats. In sharing these statistics, our goal it to help educate our readers. Each month, these numbers give us a glimpse into some dangerous trends and specific water safety measures that can help to prevent them. By taking proper safety precautions, we aim to combat these terrible threats to swimmers everywhere.
U.S. Drowning Stats for March 2019
As stated, the following statistics offer an overview of the number of drowning deaths that have occurred across the nation during the month of March. This helpful chart also compares these numbers to the same month in previous years.
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 March 2019
| October | Total | Child 4 & Under | Child 12 & Under | Teen | Adult |
| 2019-March | 80 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 59 |
| 2018- March | 112 | 21 | 11 | 4 | 76 |
| 2017- March | 94 | 23 | 10 | 5 | 56 |
| 2016- March | 122 | 19 | 5 | 12 | 86 |
| 2015- March | 106 | 21 | 4 | 6 | 75 |
| 2014- March | 84 | 21 | 5 | 9 | 49 |
| 2013- March | 59 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 41 |
| 2012- March | 116 | 25 | 15 | 11 | 65 |
| 2011- March | 106 | 26 | 0 | 9 | 71 |
| 2010- March | 64 | 21 | 4 | 7 | 32 |
| 2009- March | 93 | 25 | 10 | 11 | 47 |
This month, we’ve seen some positive change compared to the past five years. In particular, child and adult fatalities have dropped a bit. That’s excellent progress! Unfortunately, the number for teen drowning deaths have risen slightly since last year.
Does this mean that teens are in more trouble? Perhaps… but perhaps not. With the number changing so slightly between 2017 and 2018, it can be difficult to draw a specific conclusion on this statistic. This slightly higher number for teen drowning rates could simply be an anomaly. It will take additional time to draw a more accurate conclusion as to whether this increase is truly a red flag.
One thing is for sure: more information is always welcome! After all, a population that takes a more active role in water safety can create a major impact on pool safety over time.
Where Do These Stats Come From?
As mentioned above, these drowning stats for March 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
Obviously, drowning stats cannot be the beginning and the end of water safety awareness. Every single person must do their part to continue learning and to teach others. With the proper precautions, drowning is preventable.
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.
