Curbing Fatal and Non-Fatal Drowning Deaths: An Effort to Reach Under-Resourced Children in Baltimore, Maryland

Authors

Ashton P. Christo, Indiana UniversityFollow
William D. Ramos, Indiana UniversityFollow

Disciplines

Curriculum and Instruction | Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research | Exercise Science | Health and Physical Education | Kinesiology | Other Rehabilitation and Therapy | Public Health | Sports Sciences | Sports Studies

Abstract

Drowning remains a significant public health problem in the United States, with The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting approximately 4,000 drowning deaths annually. Children aged 1-4 face the highest risk, and African American children are disproportionately affected–7.6 times more likely to drown than white children (CDC, 2024). In a city on the East Coast that is predominantly African American, limited access to swimming lessons heightens the risk. To reduce drowning rates, a collaborative swimming program was established between a city high school and a public school enrichment program. The initiative provided essential water safety and swimming skills to 120 students in grades 4-6, with documented improvements in their confidence and competence in the water. This paper explores drowning risks, collaborative efforts to establish a water safety program, the impact of this program, key findings, and the plans for expansion to further mitigate drowning risks in under-resourced communities.

Recommended Citation

Christo, Ashton P. and Ramos, William D. (2025) "Curbing Fatal and Non-Fatal Drowning Deaths: An Effort to Reach Under-Resourced Children in Baltimore, Maryland," International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education: Vol. 15: No. 1, Article 5.
Available at: https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/ijare/vol15/iss1/5