Alaska reports highest drowning death rate in the U.S

A study analyzing five years of data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that Alaska has the highest drowning death rate in the United States. Between 2020 and 2024, Alaska averaged 8.63 fatalities per 100,000 residents, a rate nearly double that of Hawaii, which ranked second with 7.24 fatalities per 100,000 residents.

While Alaska recorded a total of 317 drowning deaths during this period, researchers noted that the high rate is influenced by the state's relatively small population. In contrast, Connecticut was identified as the safest state, with an average of 2.01 deaths per 100,000 residents.

Chrissy Grigoropoulos, founder of Grigor Law Injury & Car Accident Lawyers, attributed the high rate to the dangers of cold temperatures, remote waterways, and limited safety resources. She emphasized the need for improved water safety education, increased rescue coverage, and better access to life-saving equipment.