Black children and teens in the United States are significantly more likely to die from drowning compared to their White peers, according to a recent study. The research, led by Dr. Tiffany Quash from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, analyzed drowning death data from 1999 to 2019.
The study revealed that the drowning death rate for Black children aged 5-19 was 5.5 times higher than for White children in the same age group. Disparities were most pronounced in swimming pools, with Black children 7.6 times more likely to drown in pools compared to White children.
Dr. Quash attributes these disparities to a lack of swimming skills and limited access to swimming lessons in Black communities. “Structural racism has led to the exclusion of Black Americans from public pools and beaches historically,” she explained.
The study also found that drowning death rates were higher among Black males compared to females, and in rural areas compared to urban settings. Native American and Alaska Native children were also disproportionately affected.
Dr. Quash emphasizes the need for targeted interventions and policies to address these disparities, such as increasing access to swimming lessons and public pools in underserved communities. She hopes her research will spur action to prevent further tragedies.
See: “Racial Disparities in Drowning Deaths Persist, Research Shows” (June 6, 2024)
