Characterizing fatal drownings in Newfoundland and Labrador: 2014 - 2023

Newfoundland and Labrador's (NL) island geography heavily contributes to its high rates in the fishing and boating industry both recreationally and occupationally. Given NL culture and environmental factors, the use of bodies of water is naturally high in the province. In the absence of previous literature assessing differences in trends between recreational and occupational drowning deaths, the present study aimed to describe the epidemiology of drowning deaths in NL between 2014 and 2023.

To report on the epidemiology of recreational and occupational drowning-related deaths between 2014 and 2023 in NL we utilized chart reviews of death investigation reports from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to identify risk factors and demographics of the decedents.

Between 2014 and 2023, a total of 158 individuals fatally drowned in NL, with males (133) largely outnumbering females (25). The deaths in our sample represent 3,978 potential years of life lost due to a preventable cause. Almost all occupational and recreational deaths (99%) were unintentional and classified under the 'accident' manner of death. Most drownings resulting from recreational activities occurred in the summer months and exhibited a lack of personal flotation device (PFD) use. Occupational drownings largely occurred in the ocean (94%).

The present paper presents preliminary insights into areas of improvement for policymaking and law enforcement. Gaps in vessel safety enforcement may exacerbate the risk of occupational drowning, and the lack of a requirement to wear PFDs while fishing recreationally may underlie many recreational deaths. Better PFD use, enforcement of vessel safety, and public education around safe use of bodies of water are warranted.