AUSTIN, Texas -- According to information provided by Austin Public Health, Travis County sees an average of 14 drowning deaths per year. So far, this year appears to be no different.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that death by drowning ranks fifth when it comes to leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States.
RELATED: Man who drowned in Lake Travis identified
Austin Public Health stated that from 2007 to 2016, 140 Travis County residents died due to unintentional drowning and submersion. Of those deaths, 71 percent were males. Men have a rate of injury-related death due to drowning and submersion that is twice the rate of women.
In addition:
- Unintentional drowning deaths account for 3-4 percent of all injury deaths in Travis County and Texas each year
- One in six of the aforementioned 140 deaths were children aged 14 and younger
- Among children 14 years and younger, it is children 1-4 years old who are most at risk
- During the 2007-2016 period, 50 percent of the drowning deaths occurred in natural waters, 25 percent took place in swimming pools, 18 percent took place in bathtubs and 8 percent took place in other specified or unspecified locations
RELATED: Identity released of 26-year-old man who drowned in Barton Creek
Austin Public Health said drowning prevention requires multiple layers of protection. Children need supervision and physical barriers that prevent access to pool or spa areas. Adults and children should develop swimming skills and use life jackets. It’s also recommended people develop life-saving skills such as CPR.
Additional safety information is available at www.colinshope.org.