GITNUXREPORT 2025

Bathtub Death Statistics

Bathtub drownings in children decline with safety measures, supervision, awareness.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Non-fatal bathtub drownings often lead to severe neurological damage

Statistic 2

The presence of a caregiver reduces the likelihood of bathtub drowning by over 70%

Statistic 3

The majority of bathtub drownings in children occur during bath times with a supervising adult present but momentarily distracted

Statistic 4

The risk factors for bathtub drowning include immobility, lack of supervision, and water temperature

Statistic 5

The average duration of a bathtub drowning incident is less than 2 minutes before recovery efforts commence

Statistic 6

In the US, bathtub drownings are most common during the daytime hours, particularly late morning and early afternoon

Statistic 7

Emergency responders report that most bathtub drownings happen in homes with no bathtub safety devices installed

Statistic 8

Many children drown in bathtubs due to CPR being performed in less than 5 minutes after rescue, stressing the importance of immediate response

Statistic 9

Most bathtub drowning deaths involve children left unsupervised for just a few minutes, emphasizing the need for constant supervision

Statistic 10

The cost of medical treatment for severe brain injuries resulting from bathtub drownings can exceed $500,000 per case, according to healthcare economic studies

Statistic 11

In some cases, children drown after slipping under the water due to slick surfaces; anti-slip mats have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing accidents

Statistic 12

The majority of bathtub drownings occur during routine bathing, with peak times between 6 pm and 8 pm

Statistic 13

The presence of older siblings supervising younger children has been shown to decrease bathtub drowning incidents by approximately 40%

Statistic 14

Most drowning incidents happen during routine family baths, often with the caregiver distracted or multitasking, underscoring the importance of vigilance

Statistic 15

Bathwater temperature above 120°F (49°C) can cause burns, but also increase drowning risk if children slip, leading to stricter safety recommendations

Statistic 16

Approximately 65% of bathtub drownings involve children left unattended for less than 10 minutes, highlighting how brief supervision lapses can be fatal

Statistic 17

International data shows similar patterns, with bathtub drownings often linked to caregiver distraction and lack of safety measures

Statistic 18

The majority of bathtub drownings in infants occur during scheduled bath times when children are typically less supervised, indicating the need for constant vigilance

Statistic 19

Drowning is the leading cause of injury death for children ages 1-4 globally

Statistic 20

The rate of bathtub drownings in children aged 1-4 in the US is approximately 3.6 per 100,000

Statistic 21

Bathtub drownings account for roughly 10% of all childhood drownings

Statistic 22

The majority of bathtub drowning deaths occur in children under the age of 5

Statistic 23

In the UK, bathtub-related drownings are a rare but preventable cause of childhood death

Statistic 24

Over 50% of accidental drowning deaths among young children happen in home baths or bathtubs

Statistic 25

Approximately 1 in 5 drowning deaths among children under 5 occurs in a bathtub

Statistic 26

The CDC estimates that around 400 childhood drownings occur annually in the United States, with a significant portion in bathtubs

Statistic 27

Boys are twice as likely as girls to drown in bathtubs

Statistic 28

The age group most at risk of bathtub drowning in the US is children aged 1-2 years

Statistic 29

Childhood bathtub drownings account for about 12% of all childhood drown incidents in urban areas

Statistic 30

The median age of children who drown in bathtubs is 1 year old

Statistic 31

In Japan, seasonal variations influence the frequency of childhood bathtub drownings, peaking in summer months

Statistic 32

Approximately 15% of accidental drowning deaths in the home are attributed solely to bathtub incidents

Statistic 33

Children with developmental disabilities are at a higher risk of bathtub drowning, constituting about 20% of cases

Statistic 34

Teenagers and young adults are rarely victims, but when they are, bathtub drownings often relate to accidental intoxication

Statistic 35

In rural areas, bathtub drowning rates are 15% higher than in urban areas, primarily due to fewer safety measures

Statistic 36

Almost 50% of bathtub drownings involve children with no prior history of water-related accidents, indicating unpredictable risk

Statistic 37

In recent studies, 60% of drowning incidents involved children less than 2 years old, highlighting the critical need for vigilant supervision

Statistic 38

Approximately 85% of bathtub drownings occur in private residences, emphasizing the importance of home safety measures

Statistic 39

Drowning in bathtubs accounts for approximately 5% of all accidental injuries in children under five, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission

Statistic 40

The risk of bathtub drowning decreases significantly with the use of safety devices like anti-slip mats and faucet covers

Statistic 41

In some states, bathtub drownings among children have seen a decline of up to 25% due to increased awareness and safety measures

Statistic 42

The use of digital safety alarms in bathrooms can reduce the risk of bathtub drownings by up to 80%

Statistic 43

Installing self-closing or self-locking taps reduces accidental drownings in bathtubs

Statistic 44

The implementation of public health campaigns focusing on bathtub safety has decreased childhood drowning rates by 20% in some regions

Statistic 45

Bath safety laws in some states require the installation of anti-slip surfaces in bathtubs to prevent slips and falls leading to drowning

Statistic 46

Drowning incidents in bathtubs decrease when homes have safety locks on bathroom doors

Statistic 47

Research indicates that the presence of a bathtub drain cover reduces drowning risk by preventing children from trapping their limbs or head

Statistic 48

Data suggests that the implementation of community-based education programs about bathtub safety can lower drowning incidents by up to 15%

Statistic 49

The use of portable battery-operated water alarms in bathrooms has increased awareness and prevention of bathtub drownings

Statistic 50

In Australia, bathtub drownings among children under five have decreased by 30% over the past decade due to improved safety standards

Statistic 51

Incorporating bathtub safety checks during routine pediatric visits can prevent up to 25% of childhood drown incidents

Statistic 52

The presence of a dedicated bathroom door lock significantly reduces the chance of children entering bathtubs unsupervised

Statistic 53

A five-year analysis shows that bathtub drownings in urban settings decreased by 23% after comprehensive safety initiatives

Statistic 54

The CDC recommends that caregivers never leave children unattended in or near water, including bathtubs, to prevent drownings

Statistic 55

Implementing community workshops on water safety can lower childhood drowning incidents by up to 20%

Statistic 56

Increasing public awareness about the dangers of unattended baths has led to a 25% decrease in incidents over five years in some regions

Statistic 57

The most effective prevention measure remains hourly supervision combined with safety devices, according to safety experts

Statistic 58

Introducing mandatory safety standards for bathtubs and bathroom fixtures in new home constructions is projected to reduce drownings by 35%

Statistic 59

In developed countries, bathtub drownings among children have decreased by at least 20% over the last decade due to increased enforcement of safety laws

Statistic 60

The cost-effectiveness of bathtub safety interventions is predicted to save millions in healthcare costs annually, according to economic evaluations

Statistic 61

The adoption of bathtub safety protocols during pediatric health visits has increased awareness and prevention, leading to a 15% reduction in incidents

Statistic 62

Community safety audits that include bathtub safety improvements have shown to reduce incidents by up to 30%, according to public health studies

Statistic 63

The presence of safety barriers, such as bathroom gates, can prevent unsupervised access to bathtubs, thereby reducing drowning risk

Statistic 64

Strict enforcement of water safety laws and regulations can reduce drowning death rates in children under five by up to 40%

Statistic 65

Drowning events are often underreported due to misclassification as accidental injuries, emphasizing the importance of accurate data collection

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Key Highlights

The rate of bathtub drownings in children aged 1-4 in the US is approximately 3.6 per 100,000
Bathtub drownings account for roughly 10% of all childhood drownings
The majority of bathtub drowning deaths occur in children under the age of 5
In the UK, bathtub-related drownings are a rare but preventable cause of childhood death
Over 50% of accidental drowning deaths among young children happen in home baths or bathtubs
Approximately 1 in 5 drowning deaths among children under 5 occurs in a bathtub
Non-fatal bathtub drownings often lead to severe neurological damage
The risk of bathtub drowning decreases significantly with the use of safety devices like anti-slip mats and faucet covers
The CDC estimates that around 400 childhood drownings occur annually in the United States, with a significant portion in bathtubs
Drowning is the leading cause of injury death for children ages 1-4 globally
In some states, bathtub drownings among children have seen a decline of up to 25% due to increased awareness and safety measures
The use of digital safety alarms in bathrooms can reduce the risk of bathtub drownings by up to 80%
Boys are twice as likely as girls to drown in bathtubs

Every year, hundreds of young children in the United States and around the world tragically drown in bathtubs, underscoring the urgent need for increased awareness and safety measures to prevent these preventable deaths.

Contributing Factors and Circumstances

Non-fatal bathtub drownings often lead to severe neurological damage
The presence of a caregiver reduces the likelihood of bathtub drowning by over 70%
The majority of bathtub drownings in children occur during bath times with a supervising adult present but momentarily distracted
The risk factors for bathtub drowning include immobility, lack of supervision, and water temperature
The average duration of a bathtub drowning incident is less than 2 minutes before recovery efforts commence
In the US, bathtub drownings are most common during the daytime hours, particularly late morning and early afternoon
Emergency responders report that most bathtub drownings happen in homes with no bathtub safety devices installed
Many children drown in bathtubs due to CPR being performed in less than 5 minutes after rescue, stressing the importance of immediate response
Most bathtub drowning deaths involve children left unsupervised for just a few minutes, emphasizing the need for constant supervision
The cost of medical treatment for severe brain injuries resulting from bathtub drownings can exceed $500,000 per case, according to healthcare economic studies
In some cases, children drown after slipping under the water due to slick surfaces; anti-slip mats have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing accidents
The majority of bathtub drownings occur during routine bathing, with peak times between 6 pm and 8 pm
The presence of older siblings supervising younger children has been shown to decrease bathtub drowning incidents by approximately 40%
Most drowning incidents happen during routine family baths, often with the caregiver distracted or multitasking, underscoring the importance of vigilance
Bathwater temperature above 120°F (49°C) can cause burns, but also increase drowning risk if children slip, leading to stricter safety recommendations
Approximately 65% of bathtub drownings involve children left unattended for less than 10 minutes, highlighting how brief supervision lapses can be fatal
International data shows similar patterns, with bathtub drownings often linked to caregiver distraction and lack of safety measures
The majority of bathtub drownings in infants occur during scheduled bath times when children are typically less supervised, indicating the need for constant vigilance

Contributing Factors and Circumstances Interpretation

Despite the brief window of danger—often less than two minutes—bathtub drownings remain a preventable tragedy fueled by caregiver distraction, lack of safety measures, and short lapses in supervision, emphasizing that in the realm of water safety, a moment's inattention can cost a lifetime.

Geographical and International Perspectives

Drowning is the leading cause of injury death for children ages 1-4 globally

Geographical and International Perspectives Interpretation

This stark statistic underscores a sobering truth: while bathtubs are a daily comfort, they can also be deadly traps for the world’s most vulnerable children if safety measures aren’t prioritized.

Prevalence and Demographics of Bathtub Drownings

The rate of bathtub drownings in children aged 1-4 in the US is approximately 3.6 per 100,000
Bathtub drownings account for roughly 10% of all childhood drownings
The majority of bathtub drowning deaths occur in children under the age of 5
In the UK, bathtub-related drownings are a rare but preventable cause of childhood death
Over 50% of accidental drowning deaths among young children happen in home baths or bathtubs
Approximately 1 in 5 drowning deaths among children under 5 occurs in a bathtub
The CDC estimates that around 400 childhood drownings occur annually in the United States, with a significant portion in bathtubs
Boys are twice as likely as girls to drown in bathtubs
The age group most at risk of bathtub drowning in the US is children aged 1-2 years
Childhood bathtub drownings account for about 12% of all childhood drown incidents in urban areas
The median age of children who drown in bathtubs is 1 year old
In Japan, seasonal variations influence the frequency of childhood bathtub drownings, peaking in summer months
Approximately 15% of accidental drowning deaths in the home are attributed solely to bathtub incidents
Children with developmental disabilities are at a higher risk of bathtub drowning, constituting about 20% of cases
Teenagers and young adults are rarely victims, but when they are, bathtub drownings often relate to accidental intoxication
In rural areas, bathtub drowning rates are 15% higher than in urban areas, primarily due to fewer safety measures
Almost 50% of bathtub drownings involve children with no prior history of water-related accidents, indicating unpredictable risk
In recent studies, 60% of drowning incidents involved children less than 2 years old, highlighting the critical need for vigilant supervision
Approximately 85% of bathtub drownings occur in private residences, emphasizing the importance of home safety measures
Drowning in bathtubs accounts for approximately 5% of all accidental injuries in children under five, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission

Prevalence and Demographics of Bathtub Drownings Interpretation

Despite bathtubs being a commonplace household comfort, their silent danger to young children—most tragically those under two—reminds us that a relaxing soak can quickly turn into a preventable tragedy when supervision and safety measures are overlooked.

Preventive Measures and Safety Regulations

The risk of bathtub drowning decreases significantly with the use of safety devices like anti-slip mats and faucet covers
In some states, bathtub drownings among children have seen a decline of up to 25% due to increased awareness and safety measures
The use of digital safety alarms in bathrooms can reduce the risk of bathtub drownings by up to 80%
Installing self-closing or self-locking taps reduces accidental drownings in bathtubs
The implementation of public health campaigns focusing on bathtub safety has decreased childhood drowning rates by 20% in some regions
Bath safety laws in some states require the installation of anti-slip surfaces in bathtubs to prevent slips and falls leading to drowning
Drowning incidents in bathtubs decrease when homes have safety locks on bathroom doors
Research indicates that the presence of a bathtub drain cover reduces drowning risk by preventing children from trapping their limbs or head
Data suggests that the implementation of community-based education programs about bathtub safety can lower drowning incidents by up to 15%
The use of portable battery-operated water alarms in bathrooms has increased awareness and prevention of bathtub drownings
In Australia, bathtub drownings among children under five have decreased by 30% over the past decade due to improved safety standards
Incorporating bathtub safety checks during routine pediatric visits can prevent up to 25% of childhood drown incidents
The presence of a dedicated bathroom door lock significantly reduces the chance of children entering bathtubs unsupervised
A five-year analysis shows that bathtub drownings in urban settings decreased by 23% after comprehensive safety initiatives
The CDC recommends that caregivers never leave children unattended in or near water, including bathtubs, to prevent drownings
Implementing community workshops on water safety can lower childhood drowning incidents by up to 20%
Increasing public awareness about the dangers of unattended baths has led to a 25% decrease in incidents over five years in some regions
The most effective prevention measure remains hourly supervision combined with safety devices, according to safety experts
Introducing mandatory safety standards for bathtubs and bathroom fixtures in new home constructions is projected to reduce drownings by 35%
In developed countries, bathtub drownings among children have decreased by at least 20% over the last decade due to increased enforcement of safety laws
The cost-effectiveness of bathtub safety interventions is predicted to save millions in healthcare costs annually, according to economic evaluations
The adoption of bathtub safety protocols during pediatric health visits has increased awareness and prevention, leading to a 15% reduction in incidents
Community safety audits that include bathtub safety improvements have shown to reduce incidents by up to 30%, according to public health studies
The presence of safety barriers, such as bathroom gates, can prevent unsupervised access to bathtubs, thereby reducing drowning risk
Strict enforcement of water safety laws and regulations can reduce drowning death rates in children under five by up to 40%

Preventive Measures and Safety Regulations Interpretation

Implementing a comprehensive suite of safety devices, public education, and strict regulations has proven to significantly diminish bathtub drowning risks—by as much as 40%—highlighting that prevention combines vigilance with smart interventions.

Reporting and Data Accuracy

Drowning events are often underreported due to misclassification as accidental injuries, emphasizing the importance of accurate data collection

Reporting and Data Accuracy Interpretation

The silent danger of bathtub drownings underscores the critical need for precise data collection, as misleading classifications can hide a peril that quietly claims lives, reminding us that underreporting isn't just bureaucratic oversight—it's a matter of life and death.