Drowning is a serious public health problem. Drowning can happen in seconds and is often silent. It can happen to anyone, any time there is access to water. Drowning is preventable. View the At-a-Glance document below to see how CDC uses data and research to prevent drowning and save lives.
4,000
Drowning kills about 4,000 people each year in the United States.
#1
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children 1 to 4 years old.
8,000
There are about 8,000 emergency department visits for nonfatal drowning each year.
Facts, definitions, and important risk factors
Learn how you can prevent drowning
Explore drowning death rates by state
Learn about our global drowning prevention efforts
Prevention partners and project spotlights
Articles, publications, and other resources
