Drowning accidents are a serious threat that claim an average of 10 lives per day.
According to the CDC, an average of 10 people die as a result of accidental drowning every day. Many more individuals may suffer serious complications from near-drownings, including brain damage. The ray of hope here is that drownings and near-drownings are typically preventable. Here is some information that will help reduce the risk of your loved ones suffering a drowning accident.
Who is at Risk for A Drowning Accident?
In theory, anyone who enters a lake, pool, or ocean is putting themselves at risk of an accident. However, statistics do show that certain individuals are at higher risk of a drowning accident than others:
- Males: Almost 80 percent of drowning accident victims are male.
- Children: Children between the ages of 1 and 4 are the most likely to be involved in a drowning accident. In fact, when birth injuries are discounted, drowning is the number one cause of death in this age group according to the CDC. Among children 1 to 14, drowning is the second most common cause of accidental death after car crashes.
- African Americans: Based on data from 2005 to 2009, African American children aged 5 to 14 are three times more likely than their white peers to die in a drowning accident.
How to Reduce the Risk of Drowning Accidents
With some basic precautions, the risk of a drowning accident can be greatly reduced:
- Develop Swimming Skills: Research has found that learning to swim does help reduce the risk of a drowning accident. For example, it gives individuals who may accidentally fall into a pool or get thrown from a boat the ability to swim to safety.
- Supervise Swimmers at All Times: Even experienced swimmers can get into trouble and may need help. For example, sometimes people will hyperventilate before diving in an attempt to hold their breath longer, but actually end up passing out underwater. Having an experienced lifeguard or other adult who knows CPR on hand can make the difference between life and death in such a situation.
- Take Care of the Premises: Individuals who own or operate pools have a responsibility to keep their premises safe and free of hazards that could contribute to an accidental drowning. Installing a child-proof fence around the pool and keeping the pool deck clear of trip and fall hazards are essential parts of premises maintenance.
What to Do If an Accident Happens
Following a drowning accident, the most important thing to do is get medical attention for the victim as quickly as possible. However, if the accident resulted in serious brain damage or death and it is apparent that another party was responsible for the accident, you might also want to begin considering the possibility of filing a lawsuit. An experienced drowning accident attorney like Fernando D. Vargas can help you understand your options as well as the types of compensation you may be able to expect to collect. Free consultations are available and it never hurts to explore your options.
