WHY ARE MOST DROWNING VICTIMS MEN - SEX-DIFFERENCES IN AQUATIC SKILLSAND BEHAVIORS

Men have higher drowning rates than women for most age groups. Data fr om a 1991 national household survey (n = 3042) on aquatic activities w ere used to examine hypotheses about differential drowning rates by se x. Men and women were compared by (1) exposure to aquatic environments ; (2) frequency of aquatic activities involving, or potentially involv ing, submersion; (3) swimming training and ability; (4) aquatic risk-t aking behaviors; and (5) alcohol use on or near the water. Men had ele vated risks for exposure, risk taking and alcohol use. It was conclude d that several factors contribute to their relatively high drowning ra tes, including a possible interaction between overestimation of abilit ies and heavy alcohol use.