Epidemiological analysis of drowning in Ecuador, 1999–2018

Introduction This study addresses drowning in Ecuador. Despite international guidelines, data on drowning incidents in South America are lacking. The study aims to provide epidemiological insights into drowning fatalities and identify risk factors. Methodology Data from the National Institute of Statistics and Census from 1999 to 2018 were analysed. Fatalities were examined based on epidemiological variables. A formula was devised to correlate fatalities with proximity to water bodies. Correlations between drowning and specific dates and residence were explored. Furthermore, an analysis of legislation related to drowning prevention was done. Results Ecuador had 8357 drowning fatalities during this study period, with rates of 5.5 and 3.3 per 100 000 population for males and females, respectively. 55.3% were classified as W74 (unspecified drowning); drowning in natural water accounted for 29.2% (W69) and 10.5% (W70); pool-related drowning included 2.7% (W68) from falls into pools, and 2.4% were attributed to other defined drowning (W73). Peaks were seen in ages 1–2 and 16–17 years, with higher distribution in the months of February and March. 1000 deaths involved non-residents, with the highest number in Galapagos (63.4%). No link was found between river proximity and drowning. From 2003 to 2017, drowning declined from 3.4 (n=529) to 1.7 (n=286) per 100 000, coinciding with the implementation of legislative measures, though causality cannot be directly inferred. Discussion Despite the established legal framework for water safety, our findings suggest continued high rates of drowning, revealing challenges in enforcement and possible gaps in regulations where specific provisions remain limited.