Regardless of where you live, swimming is a popular activity for people of all ages. A summertime dip in a lake or pool can be refreshing, but the sport is not without risks.
How Common Is Drowning?
Accidental drowning claims an average of 10 lives in the U.S. each day; 20% of victims are children under 15. Children between ages 1 and 4 have the greatest risk of drowning.
Drowning is second only to traffic accidents as the leading cause of deaths due to unintentional injuries among children. Drowning accidents can cause damage to the brain and other permanent injuries.
Tips To Prevent Drowning
Most drowning accidents are preventable. Swimming lessons decrease the chances someone will die from drowning. Adequate supervision by parents, caregivers or lifeguards should be mandatory whenever a child is near water – even a bucket of water can cause harm. Empty all tubs, buckets, containers and kiddie pools immediately after use and store upside down so they don’t collect water.
Fences surrounding swimming pools in backyards can prevent children from falling into the water. Pool areas isolated entirely by fences, separate from a residence, are 83 percent safer than three-sided fences that serve as property barriers.
Discuss water safety with everyone in your household before your next visit to the pool, river, lake, or ocean. All-age safety precautions include mandatory use of life jackets while boating and playing in bodies of water. Everyone should know the basics of swimming and adults should be up to date on CPR training.
Avoid alcohol and drug use during water-related recreational activities.
Someone else’s negligence may also cause a drowning accident. In that case, the injured victim or surviving family members may be able to file a legal claim for damages.
For further information or to schedule a free initial consultation call 866.452.3741 or visit www.merdes.com. The Merdes Law Office has helped injured Alaskans for more than 30 years, it’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do.
