You may assume that the only people who become victims of drowning accidents are children and people who do not know how to swim. However, people who have no experience swimming are much more likely to stay away from the water. As a result, those with strong swimming skills are actually more likely to be the victim of a drowning accident.
In fact, there are three specific demographics of people who are most at risk of being the victim in this type of accident. Keep reading to learn what they are and then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation if you have been injured in a drowning accident or have lost a loved one in this type of accident.
- Men The statistics have shown that about eight out of every ten fatal drowning accidents involve men. Why? There are many theories but none have been proven. Some people point to the fact that men are historically more prone to risk-seeking than women, or that men are more often involved in boating and other water sports.
- Children As many assume, it is true that children are common victims of drowning, relatively speaking. Most children who are involved in drowning accidents are between the ages of one and four. In fact, drowning is one of the leading causes of death for this age group. The majority of drowning accidents for children in this age group occur in swimming pools.
- African Americans The most recent statistics show that African Americans are more likely to suffer in a drowning accident than Caucasians of all ages. Black children in the age range of five to fourteen are almost 3 times as likely to drown in an accident compared with white children of the same age. Researchers have not yet developed a theory for why this is true.
They point to the fact that Black children are less likely to have swimming lessons than white children, but white children are more likely to be involved in water sports and leisure, which should make them more likely to be involved in drowning accidents. The key to stats like this is to determine what is causing them and to find changes that can be made at a systemic level.
There is Help if You Have Been Affected by a Drowning Accident
Whether you were the victim or were a bystander, if your life has been affected by a drowning accident, you may have legal options available to you. Contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas now at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation and we can provide the information you need to make the most informed decision.
