A new report released Wednesday from the CDC shows alarming statistics that drowning deaths are on the rise all across the United States. According to CDC’s Vital Signs Report, over 4,500 people drowned each year in the United States from 2020–2022. This is about 500 more drowning deaths each year compared to 2019 and follows years of decline among drowning deaths.
Groups already at higher risk saw the greatest increases in deaths, including young children and older adults of all races and ethnicities, and Black people of all ages.
Drowning deaths differed by age
Drowning is the number one cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, increasing 28% from 2019 to 2022.
Adults 65 years of age and older had the second highest rate of drowning. Drowning increased by 19% in adults ages 65–74 in 2022 compared to 2019.
Drowning deaths differed by race and ethnicity
American Indian or Alaska Native (AIAN) people had higher drowning rates than any other race and ethnic group. Although drowning did not increase among AIAN people during 2020–2022, rates in this group remained higher than those of any other race or ethnicity.
Black people have the second-highest drowning rates. In 2021, drowning increased 28% among Black people compared to 2019.
40 million adults do not know how to swim
The CDC said there is a barrier to accessing swimming lessons and water safety skills training. A previous report from the CDC showed drowning deaths are higher among rural populations due to a lack of access to swim lessons.
The CDC found 55 percent of U.S. adults have never taken a swimming lesson, and highlighted that basic swimming and water safety skills training is a proven, effective way to prevent drowning.
Some groups of people are less likely to report taking swimming lessons.
- More than 1 in 3 Black adults (37%) reported not knowing how to swim compared to 15% of all adults.
- About 2 in 3 Black adults (63%) reported never taking a swimming lesson.
- About 3 in 4 Hispanic adults (72%) reported never taking a swimming lesson.
Differences in access to swimming lessons are one barrier that could contribute to these outcomes. Swimming lessons can be expensive or may not be available in some communities. When swimming lessons are available, some people may be hesitant to participate due to complex social and cultural factors. The CDC said everyone should have access to basic swimming and water safety skills training.
The U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan helps states and local communities identify actions that can prevent drowning. The plan has specific recommendations for improving basic swimming and water safety skills training. It focuses on increasing access to swimming lesson programs that meet community needs.