Drowning Statistics

With 23 miles of beach frontage and 126 navigable miles of canals, it is not surprising that drowning deaths are a common mortality cause in Broward County.

In 2005, there were 47 drowning deaths, in 2006, there were 62 drowning deaths, and in 2007, there were 49 reported drowning deaths. The general epidemiologic pattern of these cases, however, are very similar, with most of the drowning occurring in fresh water (52%) and the remainder in canals and salt water (48%).

In Broward County, Fort Lauderdale had the highest incidents of drowning deaths, with 20 fatalities. Pompano Beach followed with 14, Miramar, Hollywood, and Pembroke Pines all had 9.

In 2006, canals claimed 25 lives, while residential pools accounted for 21 lives, and the ocean, 7. The other fatalities occurred in lakes, the Intracoastal Waterways, rivers, hot tubs, the Everglades, and bathtubs. The vast majority of drowning continue to be accidental, with suicide accounting for only eight deaths.

According to Broward County's Medical Examiner, there were a total of 21 drowning deaths of children 5 and under in Broward County from 2005 to 2007—an average of 7 deaths a year. The majority of these drowning occurred in residential pools while children were unattended. Unprotected in-ground pools are 60 percent more likely to be involved in drowning than pools with complete four-sided isolation fencing. Children can drown in as little as one inch of water. For every child who drowns, four others are hospitalized for near-drowning, and as many as three suffer brain damage.

Did You Know...

• From 2004 to 2005 there were a total of 13 drowning deaths of children 5 and under in Broward County, an average of 6 deaths a year? A decrease from 18 in 2003.
• The majority of drownings occur in residential pools while children are unattended?
• For every child who drowns, four others are hospitalized for near-drowning, and as many as three suffer brain damage?
• Fifteen percent of children admitted for near-drowning die in the hospital?
• Typical medical costs for a near-drowning victim can range from $75,000 for initial emergency-room treatment to $180,000 a year for long-term care, while a near-drowning that results in brain damage can ultimately cost more than $4.5 million?
• Unprotected in-ground pools are 60 percent more likely to be involved in drownings than pools with complete four-sided isolation fencing?
• The majority of children who drown in swimming pools were last seen in the home, had been missing from sight for less than five minutes, and were in the care of one or both parents at the time of the drowning?

Play it safe and teach your children to swim.