Drowning is a significant public health concern in Texas, with an average of 352 fatalities annually and a rate of 1.4 deaths per 100,000 population. Natural water settings, such as lakes, ponds, and rivers, account for a substantial portion of all fatal drownings. Moreover, males have a drowning death rate three times higher than females, and Black Texans have a higher drowning death rate compared to White and Asian/Pacific Islander Texans.
Children ages 1-4 have the highest drowning death rate, with a total of 103 fatal drownings of children reported so far in 2025.
The Texas Water Safety Coalition brings together individuals and organizations with shared goals, combining their resources and expertise to achieve collective impact. In the case of water safety and drowning prevention, a strong and diverse coalition is critical to raising awareness, developing a statewide strategy, and advocating for policy changes that reduce fatal and non-fatal drownings.
This coalition represents over 100 organizations in Texas. These organizations are quite diverse; the five leading types involve governmental agencies, swim schools, hospitals, non-profit organizations of families that have lost loved ones to drowning, and aquatic businesses.
Noteworthy statistics
"Water safety is essential to protecting Texas children,” said Texas Senator Judith Zaffirini. “Tragically, Texas has had an average of 83 child drownings per year since 2010. That is why I was proud to author Senate Bill 591 and to sponsor and pass its companion, House Bill 59 (2023), commonly known as Cati’s Act. It will save children’s lives by strengthening water safety practices at camps and child care facilities.” “In raising awareness and promoting prevention, we honor the legacies of the children whom we have lost and help save the lives of others across our state.”- Texas ranks 3rd highest in the nation for the number of fatal drownings.
- The state has an extensive shoreline and numerous backyard pools.
- Most drownings occur between May and September, yet drownings occur year round.
- On average, nearly one Texan died every day from drowning between 2006 and 2020.
