As the outside temperatures rise, so do the news reports of accidental drownings. Any body of water can increase the risk of drowning. Drowning happens when a person’s nose and mouth are under water too long, making it impossible for them to breathe.
Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention drowning deaths in the United States have increased from 2020 to 2022. This statistic prompted a US National Water Safety Action Plan.
It’s important to understand who is most at risk of drowning, how to prevent drowning, how to recognize a person that may be drowning, how to assist a drowning person and how to save yourself if you are drowning.
Drowning Is a Leading Cause of Death for Children in the United States
- Ten people die each day from unintentional drowning, and on average 2 of them are under age 14.
- Drowning is responsible for more deaths among children ages one to four than any other cause except birth defects.
- Drowning is the leading cause of death in autism for children and adults.
- Children with autism spectrum disorder are 160 times more likely to experience nonfatal and fatal drowning than their typically developing peers.
- Among those 1-14, drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death behind motor vehicle crashes.
- For every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency care for nonfatal submersion injuries.
The Most Dangerous Locations Vary by Age
- Children younger than 1 year old are more likely to drown at home.
- For children younger than 5, 87% of drowning fatalities happen in home pools or hot tubs. Most take place in pools owned by family, friends or relatives.
- After pools, bathtubs are the second leading location where young children drown. However, buckets, bath seats, wells, cisterns, septic tanks, decorative ponds, and toilets are also potential drowning sources for infants and toddlers.
- Those 5 to 17 years old are more likely to drown in natural water, such as a pond or lake.
Ways to prevent drowning:
Imagine the grief involved in losing a loved one to drowning and then realizing it may have been prevented. While concerning, the statistics indicate a need for action and prevention is key. As with any activities, refrain from participating if you are not feeling well, or are impaired. Swimming lessons have been identified as the number one way to prevent drowning. It is not just children that can benefit from swimming lessons, many adults do not know how to swim.
Constant supervision can prevent drowning. Also, properly fitted coast guard approved life jackets should be worn by those who do not know how to swim and for all when boating (How to choose the right life jacket). Additionally, a properly fenced pool with a fence on all four sides of a home swimming pool can prevent drowning. It’s very easy for a child to access a non-fenced pool and fall in, while trying to retrieve a toy or object out of the pool. If a young child is missing, look in the water first.
The American Red Cross also has many great resources surrounding water safety. They have a link to swim lessons from ages 6 months to adult, home pool and hot tub safety, Swimming Safely in Lakes, Rivers & Streams, Swimming Safely at the Beach and more.
How to recognize a drowning person and what to do:
A drowning person is often silent and cannot call out for help. They will appear to have difficulty moving and treading water and will struggle to keep their head above water. The American Red Cross says other signs and indicators include the person is vertical or upright in the water and he or she is pressing their arms against their sides.
If you think someone is drowning, call for help. If you can safely pull the person out of the water, then do. If the victim is not breathing, perform CPR or rescue breathing until help arrives.
If unable to safely pull them out of water there is a saying to follow: Reach or Throw, Don’t Go. Look for something that floats that you can throw to the victim, that they can grab. Items like life jackets, a boat seat cushion or even a long pole that the person can grab and be pulled to safety will work. All drowning victims should be evaluated in an Emergency Room,
ANYONE CAN DROWN - even the strongest swimmers can drown. If you are drowning, remember to Flip, Float and Follow. This is a method promoted by the Great Lakes Surf and Rescue Project. Flip on your back, float with your head above water and follow whatever path will safely get you to the shore.
Don’t forget our 4-legged companions:
It is a misunderstanding that all dogs can swim. Some breeds like labrador retrievers seem to naturally take to the water, however, not all labradors cannot swim. Do not under or overestimate your four-legged pal. Dogs want to please so if you coax them to jump into the water, they most likely will. They may also sink. Practice water safety with your dogs. If you have a pool, make sure they know where the steps are. If they are boating with you or swimming in lakes, put a life jacket on them. And remember, they need swimming breaks just like humans.
To summarize, when in or around a body of water, accidental drowning is always a concern and preventable in most cases. Consider taking a CPR class. Know your surroundings, the water conditions, the people around you and even the weather. Be watchful, build memories with your family and friends, have fun, relax, enjoy the water, and know that you have the knowledge of how to prevent drowning, recognize drowning and even how to save yourself from drowning.