Objective: To describe mortality trends from drowning in children younger than 5 years old.
Materials and methods: Mortality records of children younger than 5 years old were obtained from the National Health Information (SINAIS) system of Mexico from 1979 to 2008. Cause of death by asphyxia was established according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD 9th and 10th). We analyzed age, sex, federal state, year and place where the event occurred.
Results: Fatal drowning diminished from 7.64 in 1979 to 3.59 deaths per 100,000 in 2008. This trend was observed throughout the assessment period and in all federal states. Children younger than 2 years showed the highest rate of death. Mortality was higher in males than females (1.7:1). A great proportion of events happen at home.
Conclusion: Drowning mortality among children less than 5 years old in Mexico shows a downward trend in all states.