What is already known about this topic? Approximately 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths occur annually in the United States, and demographic disparities exist.

What is added by this report? Compared with unintentional drowning death rates in 2019 (pre–COVID-19 pandemic), rates were significantly higher during 2020, 2021, and 2022, with highest rates among children aged 1–4 years, non-Hispanic American Indian and Alaska Native persons, and non-Hispanic Black or African American persons. National survey data revealed that 55% of U.S. adults have never taken a swimming lesson, and swimming lesson participation differed by demographic characteristics.

What are the implications for public health practice? The U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan provides recommendations for drowning prevention actions, including increasing access to basic swimming and water safety skills training for all persons, which could reduce disparities in unintentional drowning deaths.

Suggested citation for this article: Clemens T, Moreland B, Mack KA, Thomas K, Bergen G, Lee R. Vital Signs: Drowning Death Rates, Self-Reported Swimming Skill, Swimming Lesson Participation, and Recreational Water Exposure — United States, 2019–2023. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. ePub: 14 May 2024. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7320e1.