Summer is here, and the pools are open. This means it’s more important than ever to be vigilant about potential drowning accidents. We cover key statistics, water safety tips, and what to do after a drowning below.
Shocking Drowning Accident Statistics
According to the American Red Cross, there are an average of 4,000 accidental drowning deaths per year, or 11 per day. The number of non-fatal drownings is double this.
Drowning is also the top cause of death for children ages one to four, as well as for both children and adults on the autism spectrum. In fact, individuals with autism are almost 40 times more likely to drown than the average person, regardless of age.
Where Do Drowning Accidents Happen?
Children who are less than 12 months old are most likely to drown at home. For children under the age of five, the vast majority of drowning accidents (87%) occur in a home pool or hot tub owned by family or friends.
Bathtubs are another major concern, as are buckets, wells, water features, and even toilets. Children between the ages of five and 17 years of age are more likely to drown in a natural body of water, like a pond or lake.
How Do Drowning Accidents Happen?
Understanding how and why drowning accidents happen is key to preventing them:
- Lack of supervision. Child drownings often occur when an adult steps away, even for just a moment.
- Lack of swimming skills. Many fatal and non-fatal drownings can be attributed to the victim lacking the basic ability to keep themselves safe in the water.
- Inadequate barriers. Backyard pools and spas without proper fencing are a major culprit of residential drownings.
- Alcohol or drug use. While relaxing by the pool with a cocktail in hand sounds nice, impaired judgment and slowed reflexes create the perfect recipe for a drowning accident.
- Unsafe water conditions. Lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water can be especially dangerous with unpredictable footing and strong currents.
Top Water Safety Tips to Practice This Summer
The National Drowning Prevention Alliance estimates that fatal drowning can occur in 20 to 60 seconds. It also suggests practicing these five water safety tips:
- Use barriers and alarms. Physical barriers are your first line of defense against accidental drowning. Make sure wells, pools, and hot tubs are fully enclosed with fencing that automatically closes and latches. It’s also important to install alarms that can alert you to movement in case someone enters the area without your knowledge.
- Supervise areas with water. Water activities involving children or individuals with special needs should be supervised by a responsible, competent adult. Make sure they are undistracted and actively watching the area. If the area is large or there are a substantial number of children, you should have more than one supervising adult.
- Learn water competency skills. Both adults and children should have a basic understanding of how to enter and exit the water, how to stay afloat, and how to get to an exit.
- Use appropriate life jackets. Instead of pool inflatables or arm floaties, make sure children have access to U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, especially on boats or in open water.
- Know what to do in an emergency. Adults should learn CPR and basic first aid in case a drowning accident does occur. It’s also best to keep a phone nearby to call 911 if needed.
When to Get in Touch with an Experienced Salem Drowning Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love were involved in a drowning accident, you have legal rights. In many cases, drowning occurs when someone fails to exercise adequate water safety precautions or is otherwise negligent. If another person is at fault, we can help you hold them responsible and get the justice your family deserves.
Contact us now to explore your legal rights or to set up a consultation with a qualified accident attorney at (978) 744-8000 or toll-free at (855) 693-9084.
