Drowning affects people of all ages, not just children, and it’s on the rise in the United States after years of decline. Taking proper precautions in and around water can help keep you and your loved ones safe.

Drowning Risk

From 2020 – 2022 in the U.S., more than 4,500 people died due to drowning each year, an increase of 500 drowning deaths per year compared to 2019, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Most drownings occur among children ages 1-4, usually in swimming pools. After age 4, drownings in natural waters such as lakes, rivers and oceans become more common. Rates of drowning are also higher for adults ages 65 and older, as well as for Black people of all ages.

People with certain medical conditions such as seizure disorder, heart disease and autism are more susceptible to drowning. However, anyone of any age can drown at any time where there is access to water.

Drowning is a preventable tragedy. Swimming lessons, water safety training and appropriate precautions can all help you more safely enjoy your favorite activities in and around water.

Water Safety

As the National Drowning Prevention Alliance notes, swimming is not an instinctive skill for humans. Humans cannot survive in water unless they learn basic skills.

Formal swimming lessons reduce the risk of drowning, yet more than half of adults in the U.S. have never had a swimming lesson. It’s never too late to learn. All adults and children should take swimming lessons to acquire this crucial ability.

Most local Y programs offer swimming and water safety lessons for people of all ages from infants to seniors. The American Red Cross offers water safety training.

Here are additional tips for staying safe in and around water:

• Do not drink alcohol or use drugs or engage in distracting activities such as reading or using your phone while supervising children around water.

• Do not drink alcohol or use drugs before or during swimming, boating or water skiing.

• Never swim alone; always swim with a buddy.

• Never dive into water unless you know beforehand how deep it is.

• Do not go into areas of water that you cannot handle.

• Learn the risks of lakes, rivers, oceans and other natural bodies of water. They have hidden hazards such as dangerous currents or waves, rocks or vegetation and limited visibility.

• Stay out of strong currents, even if you are a skilled swimmer.

• Check local weather conditions before venturing out into water. Be aware of rip currents and undertows and learn how to swim out of them.

• Always wear life preservers when boating, even if you know how to swim.

Keeping Children Safe

Swimming lessons alone will not prevent children from drowning. A responsible adult should supervise children closely and constantly when they are in or near water. For younger children, this includes bathtubs.

At large gatherings near pools, lakes or other bodies of water, it can be tough to keep track of kids. A good practice is to pair each responsible adult with a specific child. Drowning happens quickly and quietly, so adults must be vigilant at all times.

Children should wear life jackets for all activities while in and around natural water. Weaker swimmers of all ages should wear life jackets in and around natural water and swimming pools. Foam and inflatable toys are not safety devices – they do not replace life jackets.

Learning CPR skills can help save someone’s life should an incident occur. Both the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross offer CPR training.

For more details on preventing drowning, visit Water Safety and Drowning on MedlinePlus.

Talk with your healthcare provider before enrolling yourself or your child in swim lessons. If you are looking for a primary care provider, Aultman Medical Group Primary Care has dozens of providers across the region, in your community, who are accepting new patients. Call our new patient hotline at 330-433-1264 or visit aultman.org/NewDoc.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
MedlinePlus
National Drowning Prevention Alliance