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Drowning Facts

Many of us have heard devasting stories of people lost to drowning. While we never think it can happen to us or someone we love, nobody is down-proof, not even experienced swimmers, and children have the highest risk.

Data from the CDC shows alarming drowning-related statistics:

• Drowning is the leading cause of death among children aged 1 -4
• Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death in children ages 5-14
• There are, on average, 11 drowning deaths every day in America. That is an estimated 4000 people a year
• Some 8000 Americans suffer a non-fatal drowning incident yearly. That’s an average of 22 non-fatal drownings a day
• For every child who dies from drowning, another 7 require emergency room care for non-fatal drowning accidents
• Nearly 40% of patients treated in the ER for drowning need hospitalization or transfer for further care
• Drowning accidents can lead to brain damage and long-term disability

Together We Can Prevent Drowning Accidents

Luckily most drowning accidents are preventable. Here are some drowning prevention tips to help reduce the danger to you and your family.

Learn to Swim

Enroll yourself and your children in swimming lessons this summer to help reduce your risk of drowning. But remember, children will still need supervision while playing in or near water, as accidents can happen even if they know how to swim.

Safeguard Your Pool

Build a fence around your pool to prevent small children from entering the water unsupervised. Also, remember to put away pool toys after using them to prevent children from trying to retrieve them.

Supervise, Supervise, Supervise

Downing is silent and happens quickly. A child can drown in as little as 20 – 60 seconds, even in shallow pools of water like a bathtub.

That’s why it’s vital always to have an adult supervising children playing in or around the water. Likewise, when bathing your kids, never leave them unattended in the bathtub.

Wear a Life Jacket

Wearing a well-fitted life jacked significantly reduces your chances of drowning while boating. Additionally, children should always wear a life jacket for all activities near natural water sources. Weaker swimmers and small children should also wear life jackets. Finally, don’t rely on air-filled or foam toys for protection; these are not safety devices.

Learn CPR

You can help save lives by performing CPR while the paramedics arrive. Visit the American Red Cross or American Heart Association websites to learn more about their CPR courses.

Know the Risks

Before you enter a lake, river, or ocean, learn the risks. For example, many popular vacationing spots are not suitable for swimming or boating areas because of strong currents, rocky shorelines, dense vegetation, or wild animals.

Additionally, check the weather conditions before you set out on the water. Remember, rapidly changing weather patterns can put you in harm’s way.

Never Swim or Boat Alone

Even if you are an experienced swimmer or boater, it’s best always to have someone with you in the water. Leg cramps, fatigue, dehydration, and accident can happen to anyone. Having a buddy there to help can save your life.

Avoid Alcohol

Avoid drinking alcohol before or during swimming, boating, surfing, paddle boarding, skiing, or any other aquatic activity. Alcohol affects your cognitive abilities, balance, and coordination, making you more prone to accidents.

Beware of the Effects of Medicines

If you take any medication, consider its effects before entering the water. For example, some medicines can make you drowsy, impair your balance and coordination, or even your judgment. Avoid going near water if you’ve taken medication and are unsure of its effects.