In 1998, 4,406 people drowned in the United States, an average of 12 people per day. More than 80% of drownings occur among males.

The drowning rate among African Americans is about 1.6 times that among whites.

Alcohol use is involved in about 25% to 50% of adolescent and adult deaths associated with water recreation. It is a major contributing factor in up to 50% of drownings among adolescent boys.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 734 people died in recreational boating incidents in 1999.

Nearly three-quarters of boating-related deaths were due to drowning; 89% of people who drowned were not wearing personal flotation devices.

Many questions remain unanswered about the risk factors for drowning and other water-related injuries. Additional research is needed to— Evaluate the effectiveness of legislation (e.g., pool fencing) and community-based programs to prevent drowning.

Assess levels of water safety knowledge and swimming ability among drowning and near-drowning victims.

Assess levels of water safety knowledge and swimming skill among the general population and among high-risk groups.

Describe the frequency and circumstances of water activities among the general population and among various groups.

Assess the effectiveness of personal flotation devices.

Children and Drowning

Drowning is the second leading cause of injury-related death for children ages 1 to 14.

In 1998, more than 1,300 children and young people (ages 0_18) died from drowning.

For every child who drowns, another four are hospitalized and 16 receive emergency department care for near-drowning.

Among children ages 1 to 4, most drownings occur in residential swimming pools. Most children who drowned in pools were last seen in the home, had been out of sight less than five minutes, and were in the care of one or both parents at the time.