Older Adults

Lakes and rivers are the primary location where fatal drowning takes place among people aged 65 and older. However, people in this age group also face a higher risk than others in bathtubs, private pools, and hot tubs. Adults 65 and over account for almost half of all bathtub deaths, over one-third of all backyard pool deaths, and one-third  of all hot tub deaths in Canada

Drowning rates (deaths per 100,000 population) among adults aged 65 and older are the highest of all age groups nationally and in Ontario. The drowning rates among this age category have risen over the past 10 years as the “baby boomers” have entered their senior years. Many older adults continue the high-risk behaviours of their younger years. Certain medical conditions and medications may affect one's physical ability or mental capacity. Some members of this group may be reticent to admit their vulnerabilities or to avoid risky behaviour. Others may be more receptive to safety advice now than when they were younger.

Among older adults, there is a shift toward more fatalities during near-water activities and boating, and fewer drowning deaths that involve in-water recreational activity. Fishing, powerboating and bathing are most prevalent, followed by swimming and walking near the water.

Key risk factors among older adults include:

• Nearly all fatal boating-related drowning incidents among this age category involve individuals who were not wearing a lifejacket or PFD. More than 4 in 5 incidents nationally, and almost 9 in 10 incidents in Ontario involved failure to wear a lifejacket.
• Almost 3 in 4 drowning deaths among people aged 65 and older involved individuals who were alone at the time.
• Heart disease and heart attacks have emerged as a key physical factor increasing the risk of aquatic emergencies among older individuals.
• Being out in cold water situations and/or after dark continues to be a risk factor among this age group.

Exploring a Hidden Epidemic: Drowning Among Adults Aged 65 Years and Older

A 2021 study analyzing 10 years of unintentional fatal drowning data from Australia, Canada and New Zealand indicates that the proportion of drowning deaths that occurred among older adults increased from 15% to 24% over the period (2005–2014).

Key findings:

• 812 older adults (65+) died from unintentional drowning in Canada during the 10-year study period.
• In Canada, the largest increase in older adult drowning deaths occurred among 65 to 74 year olds.
• 65 to 74 year olds were more likely to drown in natural open water (lakes, rivers, oceans) and represented a significant proportion of deaths while boating.
• Those in the 75+ age group were more likely to drown in bathtubs and private pools.
• The highest proportion of alcohol consumption among older adults who drowned was in Canada (20.7%).
• Chronic medical conditions were often present; however, further research is needed to understand if these conditions contributed to the drowning deaths

Drowning prevention tips

To date, the focus for reducing drowning among older adults and seniors has been to work to create safer attitudes and behaviours earlier in life that they will carry with them as they age into this life stage. Additional strategies that are especially relevant for this older life stage include:

• Boat with a buddy, never alone.
• Take care getting in and out of bathtubs. Install grab-bars designed for weight-bearing to aid entry, exit and movement in your bathtub. Have someone close enough to hear you and respond, should you have a problem.
• Be realistic about encroaching health limitations. Know your heart health through regular check-ups and don't "push the envelope" any more on, in or near the water, than you would at home.

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• As you become more sensitive and less resistant to cold as you get older, take precautions to avoid exposure to the effects of cold water and hypothermia. Start by always wearing your lifejacket or PFD and by avoiding high risk cold water situations - especially not by yourself or after dark.
• Clear, hard, new ice is the only kind of ice recommended for travel. Avoid slushy ice, ice on moving water (rivers, currents), or ice that has thawed and refrozen. Wear a thermal protection buoyant suit to increase your chance of survival if you go through.