Overview

• Accidental drowning deaths in the US have increased by about 10% in recent years, reversing a long-term decline.
• Black Americans experienced a nearly 30% rise in drowning rates in 2021, despite spending less time in water than other groups.
• Drowning remains the leading cause of death for preschool-age children, with rates increasing almost 30% for this group in 2021 and 2022.
• Hispanic Americans saw a 25% increase in drowning deaths in 2022 compared to 2019, the largest rise among racial groups that year.
• The CDC emphasizes the importance of swim lessons and safety measures to prevent drowning, especially for at-risk populations.