NEW DROWNING STUDY

Drowning deaths in Hawaii second-highest in the nation

• Hawaii has the second-highest rate of drowning deaths, a new study has shown
•        There were almost 300 deaths in the period examined
• Coastal states and those with abundant waterways dominate the top rankings, with eight of the top ten states featuring significant water access

A new analysis by Anidjar and Levine, personal injury lawyers, reveals stark geographic differences in drowning death rates across the United States. The study analyzed data from 2019 to 2023, showing that northern and coastal states face the highest risks.

The research examined drowning fatalities per 100,000 population across all 50 states using data from the CDC’s WONDER online database. These findings come as the CDC reports that drowning deaths have risen by about 10% after decades of decline.

States with the highest drowning death rates

Hawaii’s findings

In Hawaii, the drowning death rate reaches 3.88 per 100,000 residents, placing it second-highest nationwide.

Despite its status as a premier tourist destination known for water activities, the state faces significant ocean safety challenges. Hawaii recorded 277 drowning fatalities during the five years studied.

Full study

Alaska stands alone at the top with an alarming 5.02 drowning deaths per 100,000 residents, or 184 in total.

The state’s extensive coastline, numerous lakes and rivers, combined with extreme cold-water temperatures, create hazardous conditions for residents and visitors. Alaska is the only state with a drowning rate above 4 per 100,000 people.

In Hawaii, the drowning death rate reaches 3.88 per 100,000 residents, placing it second-highest nationwide. Between 2019 and 2023, there were a total of 277 drowning deaths.

Despite its status as a premier tourist destination known for water activities, the state faces significant ocean safety challenges. Hawaii recorded 277 drowning fatalities during the five years studied.

Louisiana ranks third with a drowning death rate of 2.66 per 100,000 residents, or 613 total drowning deaths.

The state’s abundant bayous, lakes, and Gulf coast access present multiple drowning hazards. Louisiana’s rate shows the southern state faces serious water safety challenges despite focused prevention efforts.

Montana holds fourth position with 2.61 drowning deaths per 100,000 residents. In the years examined, there were a total of 144 drowning deaths.

Despite being landlocked, Montana’s numerous rivers, lakes, and reservoirs create substantial risks. Cold water in mountain lakes and strong currents in rivers pose dangers to outdoor enthusiasts.

Florida rounds out the top five with a drowning rate of 2.45 per 100,000 residents.

With the longest coastline in the continental United States and thousands of inland water bodies, Florida faces year-round drowning risks. The state recorded 2,694 drowning deaths during the study period, the highest total number nationwide.

Arkansas ranks sixth with a drowning rate of 2.24 per 100,000 residents. The state’s 340 lives lost over five years shows the significant human toll of these preventable incidents in a state with abundant water recreation opportunities.

Maine follows closely in seventh position with 2.22 drowning deaths per 100,000 residents. Its extensive coastline, cold water temperatures, and strong currents contribute to a drowning rate more than double that of the safest states.

Oregon ranks eighth with 2.07 drowning deaths per 100,000 residents. The state’s combination of Pacific coastline and numerous inland rivers and lakes creates multiple environments for potential drowning incidents, with 439 total deaths recorded.

Washington holds ninth position with 2.03 drowning deaths per 100,000 residents. Similar to Oregon, its Pacific coastline and abundant inland waterways contribute to elevated drowning risks, nearly twice the rate of the safest states. There were a total of 783 deaths recorded during the period examined.

Mississippi completes the top ten with a drowning rate of 2.00 per 100,000 residents. The Mississippi River, numerous lakes, and Gulf Coast access all contribute to water safety challenges in the state, which recorded 295 drowning deaths during the study period.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, several states show consistently lower rates of drowning deaths. These states often have different patterns of water recreation or more established water safety programs.

States with the lowest drowning death rates

Nebraska recorded the lowest drowning death rate in the nation at 0.98 per 100,000 residents. Despite having rivers and lakes, the state’s different patterns of water recreation may contribute to its better safety outcomes. Nebraska is the only state with a drowning rate below one person per 100,000 population.

Connecticut ranks second-lowest with a drowning rate of 1.04 per 100,000 residents. Though coastal, the state’s smaller size, developed shorelines, and potentially greater access to swimming education may contribute to its lower ranking. Connecticut reported just 186 drowning deaths over the five-year period.

Pennsylvania has the third-lowest drowning rate at 1.07 per 100,000 residents. Despite numerous rivers and lakes, the state maintains relatively low drowning statistics compared to others with similar water resources.

New Jersey ranks fourth-lowest with a drowning rate of 1.09 per 100,000 residents. While known for its coastal tourism, the state’s heavily monitored beaches and emphasis on water safety education may help explain its lower ranking. New Jersey recorded 498 drowning deaths over the study period.

New York completes the five states with the lowest drowning rates at 1.12 per 100,000 residents. Though home to extensive coastlines, the Great Lakes, and numerous inland waterways, New York maintains lower drowning statistics than states with similar water access. This is particularly notable given that New York has the fourth-highest population in the dataset.

A spokesperson from Anidjar and Levine commented on the findings, “These statistics highlight the critical importance of water safety education and awareness. The significant variation between states suggests that local factors, including access to swimming lessons, water safety regulations, and emergency response capabilities, play important roles in determining drowning risks.

“States with higher drowning rates might benefit from examining the practices of states with consistently lower rates. We hope this data helps guide public safety efforts and raises awareness about the ongoing need for water safety education across the United States.”