Stats show Texas among deadliest states for child drownings

Report states 37 children have died so far in 2016

SAN ANTONIO – New data shows the number of child pool and spa drownings in Texas continue to rise. 

According to the USA Swimming Foundation, Texas was the deadliest state in the U.S. for child pool and spa drownings in May with five reported child drownings during the month.

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Texas has ranked in the top 3 among all states for child pool and spa drownings both of the last two years. 

Helpandhope.org reported 75 Texas children drowned in 2015, nearly half of which occurred in pools.  

As of May 2016, a total of 37 children have already drowned in Texas when factoring in pools, lakes, beaches, small bodies of water and a hot tub.

Harris County has had the highest amount of child drownings in Texas in 2016 with seven.

Nueces County has had five reported child drownings. Bexar County has had two reported child drownings in 2016.

Comal and Kerr counties have had one child drowning this year.

Texas Child Drownings County Map 2016

Most tragedies occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day, according to national statistics.

In light of this data, federal and local officials are combining efforts to help educate Texans on drowning prevention to reverse this tragic trend. 

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Pool Safety campaign is urging Texas parents and caregivers to be vigilant in 2016.

The Centers for Disease Control also offers information on how to prevent unintentional drownings.

According to the CDC, about 10 people die from unintentional drowning every day.

Of those reported drownings, two are children aged 14 or younger.


About the Author:

RJ Marquez is the traffic anchor/reporter for KSAT’s Good Morning San Antonio. He also fills in as a news anchor and has covered stories from breaking news and Fiesta to Spurs championships and high school sports. RJ started at KSAT in 2010. He is proud to serve our viewers and be a part of the culture and community that makes San Antonio great.