Drowning deaths in New Jersey, 1999-2007

Background: Drownings are much less common than other injuries but the inherent high fatality rate makes them particularly traumatic for communities. New Jersey's relatively high percentage of water as part of the environment means that drowning risk is not limited to bathtubs, swimming pools and beaches. Methods: New Jersey medical examiner data from 1999 to 2007 were used to analyze the characteristics of drownings in New Jersey. All deaths categorized as unintentional “drowning” or “submersion” were assessed for victim and location characteristics. Intoxication was determined by toxicology results or narrative mentions. Results: Drowning victims were more likely to be male than female, in greater proportion than other unintentional injury deaths. Drowning location varied greatly by age, with children more likely to drown in pools/hot tubs and the elderly more likely to drown in bathtubs. Pools/hot tubs and open water (bays, sounds, the Atlantic Ocean) each accounted for approximately one fifth of drowning deaths. Among victims age 15 and over, alcohol was a contributing factor in about 25% of deaths. Locations with the highest percentage of alcohol-related deaths were places where people most likely entered the water unintentionally (e.g., streams, harbors). Drowning deaths occurred during motor vehicle crashes, natural disasters, boating accidents, work-related falls, and many unknown reasons. Health status was a frequent contributor to the risk of drowning death.

Conclusions: Because of the ubiquity of water in New Jersey and the lethality of drowning, water safety awareness campaigns should emphasize the primary prevention of drowning for all ages.