Analysis of Florida pool drowning deaths in young children

Florida has the highest drowning death rate in the US for children ages 1-4 years (8.9/100,000) and during 1999-2003 recorded 356 unintentional drowning deaths among children in this age group. In children under age 5, swimming pool drownings are most common (68%).This study reports information about 58 swimming pool deaths in children ages 1-4 based on data collected from investigations completed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission during 2003-2006. The goal of the authors is to identify key factors for prevention messages. Results: All 58 deaths were classified as “accidental drownings” or “complications from drownings in pools”. The majority of deaths occurred during 2005 (N=44), representing 98% of vital statistics deaths, for that year. Decedent, caregiver and circumstance factors were analyzed. Decedents ranged in age from 9 to 61 months (median: 24.5) and 67% were males. Sixty-two percent were White Non-Hispanic, 24% Black Non-Hispanic. Ninety-one percent were Florida residents. Eighty-one percent of drownings occurred in in-ground pools. Parents were the residence owners in 55% of events. The typical seasonal pattern associated with recreational water deaths was not evident. In over two-thirds of deaths, the child was last seen inside the house and was most likely to be under the care of the one or both parents who were engaged in some type of routine activity. The primary barrier breached in 71% of cases was a door leading from the house to the pool area. Safety messages focusing on direct visual contact of children at all times are critical.