Water Safety Strategy

Drowning Data Snapshot: Key Facts

12,588 California residents died from drowning between 1991 and 2020 (4)

For every fatal drowning, there are three non-fatal drowning events (4)

Three males die from drowning for every female (4)

92% of drowning deaths in California are residents
5% are from other states and 3% are from other countries (5) .

48% of all drowning deaths occur in June, July and August (5)

12.5% of drowning deaths in California are intentional (Suicide/Homicide) (5)

The highest drowning rates are in Northern California & Sierra (2.1/100,000 Residents) and the San Joaquin Valley (1.6/100,000 Residents) (4)

Approximately 800 people currently require long term care
in California for permanent disabilities caused by non-fatal drowning (6)

One in every 100,000 Californians die from drowning annually (4)

(Crude fatal drowning rate = 1.1/100,000 CA Residents)