• Over 500 Canadians drowned in 1999. Ontario had the lowest rate and Nunavut/ N.W.T/ Yukon had the highest.
  
  
• Drowning is ranked as the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for Canadians aged 0-24 and ranked third for those age 25-44.
  
  
• 2/3 of drowning victims never intended to go into the water.
  
  
• Alcohol is associated with at least one third of all drownings.
  
  
• Non-swimmers and weak swimmers account for more then half of the total drownings in ages 5 and over.
  
  
• 60% of those 14 and under were alone or with a minor when they drowned.
  
  
• For every child 1-4 years who dies from drowning, there are an estimated 6 to 10 additional near- drownings, which require hospitalization.
  
  
• A small child can drown in only a few inches of water. Enough water to cover their nose and mouth.
  
  
• Boys are the most frequent victims of drownings (82%)
  
  
• Most drownings can be prevented. They are not "accidents".

References:

Safe Boating Guide, 2000
Drowning Report, 2001
LSS-Life Saving Manual, 1994
Canada Safety Council, April 2002