Water Related Injuries and Drowning

According to the CDC, About ten people die from unintentional drowning every day. Of these, two are children aged 14 or younger. Drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States.

Water related injuries and drowning is a big deal and seem to happen far to often. Know the factors that influence downing and how to mitigate those risks.

What factors influence drowning risk?

The top factors of drowning include lack of swimming ability, lack of barriers to prevent unsupervised water access, lack of close supervision while swimming, failure to wear life jackets, alcohol use. The following are facts and figures and tips to stay safe.

• Lack of Swimming Ability: Many adults and children report that they can’t swim. Research has shown that participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning among children aged.Get your kids and yourself into swim lessons if you don’t know how to swim. It could save a life!
• Lack of Barriers: Barriers, such as pool fencing, prevent young children from gaining access to the pool area, river, or ponds without caregivers’ awareness. Make sure to fence your watered areas to avoid risk.
• Lack of Close Supervision: Drowning can happen quickly and quietly anywhere there is water (such as bathtubs, swimming pools, buckets), and even in the presence of lifeguards. Keep an eye on your kids and make sure there is no chance this tragic incident does not occur.
• Failure to Wear Life Jackets: In 2010, the U.S. Coast Guard received reports for 4,604 boating incidents; 3,153 boaters were reported injured, and 672 died. Most (72%) boating deaths that occurred during 2010 were caused by drowning, with 88% of victims not wearing life jackets. Put on your life jacket in every situation that you are in need of one (boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, etc.)
• Alcohol Use: Among adolescents and adults, alcohol use is involved in up to 70% of deaths associated with water recreation, almost a quarter of ED visits for drowning, and about one in five reported boating deaths. Alcohol influences balance, coordination, and judgment, and its effects are heightened by sun exposure and heat. Stay clear of the water when drinking alcohol it could save a life.

Be smart and use precaution while swimming. Keep an eye on them and make sure everyone is safe in the water.