What we have learned: 10 years of pertinent facts about: Drownings and other water-related injuries in Canada 1991-2000

Abstract

According to data provided by Statistics Canada,drowning was the 4th most common cause of death by unintentional injury in Canada during 1991-2000, after highway deaths,falls and poisoning. Drowning was the leading cause of death for recreational and sporting activities. 5,900 individuals died and 3,289 were hospitalized for near drowning. Incalculable are the suffering and long-term personal losses of the nearly 10,000 family tragedies represented by these statistics. Furthermore, economic costs to Canadians of these deaths exceed 10 billion dollars. Yet many of these incidents are preventable