The drowning stats for July 2021 have been released. At a glance, they seem pretty similar to the July stats from 2020. Continue reading to take a closer look at what these statistics and maps can mean for water safety.
U.S. Drowning Stats for July 2021
For the past few years, Life Saver Pool Fence has shared monthly drowning stats and maps on this blog. When it comes to water safety, numbers and statistics can be an invaluable tool for anyone interested in preventing possible tragedies.
This information, presented by Total Aquatic Programming, has a lot to tell us. Besides location and age, there are many factors that go into these reports. Today, we will be comparing last month’s data with data from each month of July over the past 12 years.
Using this data, water safety experts are able to track trends and certain patterns of behavior. Since these stats and maps cover the whole country, these dangers can be tied to a time of the year or even a location. Total Aquatic Programming’s data tracks more than 15 separate items from every drowning that occurs throughout the country.
These items include, but are not limited to:
- date
- state
- city
- county
- age and gender of the victim
- ethnicity, if recorded
- body of water in which the drowning occurred
- and several other circumstances that can help to provide some guidance in the prevention of future drownings.
Chart: Drowning Statistics for July 2009-2021
Taking a look at the chart below, the drowning stats for July 2021 are definitely not the worst July on record. In fact, they seem relatively similar to last July. To July 2021’s credit, we have seen one less drowning in the total count.
That’s good news, but this can always be better. While less children in the “four and under” category have drowned, we’ve seen an increase in children and teens.The number for adults remains even at 305.
What can these drowning stats for July tell us? For one, it’s important to note the similarities between 2020 and 2021. Undeniably, these years have both been subject to various COVID-19 swimming safety guidelines. A lot of people may have been avoiding the beach or public pools. This could account for the drop-off in drownings from 2019.
When it comes to examining the statistics, it is important to consider the external factors. Altered guidelines and vaccination availability could absolutely lead to more people swimming at different times. Overall, on a positive note, the past two years have seen drowning rates fall.
The goal of water safety experts is to work to eliminate drowning all together. Careful adherence to swimming guidelines, as well as installing multiple layers of security, can help to knock out many common drowning threats.
Understanding The Numbers: Drowning Maps for 2019/2020/2021
In addition to the June 2021 drowning stats, Total Aquatic Programming has provided us with two additional graphics. The first is a nationwide drowning map for all of 2020. This map identifies “hot spots” of child drowning incidents on a state-by-state basis. Please take a look at the map below. It has been updated to include all drownings that have occurred since July 2008.
Up next is the detailed 2021 map, which takes a closer look at child drownings. Please note that the numbers listed on each state represent the ages of the children involved in these incidents, not the number of children. Each age represents one child. For example, a 12-year-old would be listed on the map as “12.”
The Source of These Drowning Statistics
All of these U.S. drowning stats and graphics are brought to us courtesy of Sue and Mick 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 to see even more in-depth information about drowning danger and statistics.
