Spokane Counts 2011

Drowning

Injury & Violence

Indicator: Drowning

Definition: Rate of deaths by drowning or submersion per 100,000 individuals. The rate includes drowning or submersion deaths caused by a boating accident. (ICD10 codes V90, V92, W65-W74)

Why is this important: There are many measures that can lower the risk of drowning. Among children 1-4 years of age, most drownings occur in residential swimming pools. Supervision and barriers such as fencing around a pool are important for children. In natural water settings, such as rivers or lakes, the risk of drowning increases with age. Alcohol use and not wearing a life jacket are factors in many natural water drownings.

Where are we: In 2009 in Spokane County, there were 6 drowning deaths. There was no significant change in the drowning rate from 2005 to 2009. The 2009 drowning rate in Spokane County was similar to that of Washington State.

Health Disparities

Among Spokane County residents in 2005-2009:

Females were more likely to drown than males.
Non-Whites were more likely to drown than Whites.

There was no difference in drowning by age group.

Additional Information: During 2005-2009, there were 24 inpatient hospitalizations among Spokane County residents for a non-fatal injury from submersion. Preschool age children were at the greatest risk for a near drowning.

(click to enlarge)

	Data Source	DOH, CHS, 2009
		Rate per 100,000
Geography	Spokane County	1.3 (0.6-2.8)
	WA	1.6 (1.3-1.9)
	U.S.	Not Avail

	Trend	05-09 No Trend
		05-09
Age	<18 yrs	0.6 (0.2-1.6)
	18-34 yrs	1.5 (0.8-3.0)
	35-44 yrs	1.6 (0.7-3.8)
	45-64 yrs	1.0 (0.5-2.2)
	65+ yrs	1.7 (0.7-4.0)

Sex	Male	0.5 (0.2-1.1)
	Female	1.9 (1.3-2.9)

	White	1.1 (0.8-1.7)
	Non-White	2.1 (0.7-6.0)

Data Source: Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics.

Spokane Regional Health District · Community Health Assessment · 1101 W College Ave, Room 360, Spokane, WA 99201
509.323.2853 | FAX 509.232.1706 | TDD 509.324.1464 · www.srhd.org/spokanecounts