Using Geographic Information Systems to Profile State Drowning Deaths

Background/Purpose: Drowning is a leading injury-related cause of death. Significant public health resources have been used on drowning prevention efforts for children and adults. To date, GIS analysis has not been widely used to describe type and location of drowning deaths relative to location of residence. Methods: Analyzed data from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner including all drowning deaths occurring in Connecticut from 2005-2010 that includes demographics (age, sex, race), temporal variables (date, time), residence, drowning location, and circumstance. We used ArcGIS to construct a variation of flow maps to determine the geographic characteristics of drowning including distance and water body type. Results/Outcomes: There were 108 drowning deaths; 87 adult and 21 pediatric (17 and under). Victims tended to be male (adult 82%, pediatric 58%), drown within 10 miles of home (adult 75%, pediatric 67%), and drown in a natural body of water (adult 76%, pediatric 62%). Only 2 pediatric drowning deaths occurred at home compared to 22 adults (9.5% v. 25% respectively). In the adult population, 70% were white and 30% had indications of drugs and/or alcohol. In the pediatric population victims tended to be older children/adolescents with 62% ages 12-17, and Black children comprised 42% of victims but just 14% of the overall pediatric population. Conclusions: In Connecticut, drowning prevention education focuses on parents of young children, homeowners with pools, and boaters. Based on GIS analysis education efforts should include adolescents, adults, and local users of natural water bodies.