Alaska Recorded Highest Drowning Rate from 2020 to 2024
State residents faced the nation's highest fatal drowning rate, averaging 8.63 deaths per 100,000 people.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Swimming
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Between 2020 and 2024, Alaska saw the highest drowning death rate in the United States, with an average of 8.63 fatalities per 100,000 residents. During this five-year period, a total of 317 people died from drowning in the state, averaging 63.4 deaths annually.
Why it matters
The high mortality rate is linked to the state's remote waterways, cold water temperatures, and limited availability of safety resources. Understanding these environmental hazards is essential for residents engaging in water-based activities across the region.
Analysts used CDC injury data and U.S. Census population estimates to calculate state-level drowning rates. The study compared Alaska's rate of 8.63 per 100,000 against other states, including Hawaii and Connecticut, though the specific circumstances of each incident remain under investigation.
The players
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The national public health agency that collects injury data and monitors trends in mortality and health statistics.
The details
The mortality figures were adjusted for population size using U.S. Census estimates for the state's more than 734,550 residents. Analysts calculated these averages by reviewing annual drowning deaths relative to state population totals. These findings highlight the impact of geographical and environmental factors on public safety in the state.
Timeline
2020 to 2024 marked the data collection period for these drowning fatalities.
Health Landscape
These findings reflect broader trends observed in the CDC's national drowning mortality surveillance data. The report confirms that local geographical factors continue to play a primary role in shaping safety outcomes relative to the national average.
Residents should prioritize water safety gear and check water conditions before venturing near remote or cold waterways. It is worth discussing your personal safety plan and necessary gear with a qualified guide or your physician if you have underlying health concerns.
The takeaway
The high drowning rate in Alaska underscores the critical need for increased awareness of cold-water risks and the use of proper safety equipment. Residents are encouraged to prioritize local safety guidelines and consult professional guidance when planning activities on or near the water.
Further reading
For more information on water safety and injury prevention, visit the Swimming section of our site.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Peninsula Clarion.
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