SWIMMING POOL ACCIDENTS AND DROWNING STATISTICS

Huffman & Huffman Brothers-in-Law, P.L.L.C.
2 mins READ
Get a free consultation Call us About us

When the summer heat hits, you can expect that more people will be hopping in the water for some cool relief. And while the summer season brings more relaxed and carefree social environments, no one should be completely carefree when it comes to pool safety.

A LEADING CAUSE OF UNINTENTIONAL DEATH

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional death in the United States.

Data collected by the organization showed that an average of 3,536 people in the U.S. died annually between 2005 and 2014 from drowning, which breaks down to about 10 people every day.

In addition, thousands more suffer injuries due to drowning accidents. People who survive these incidents may experience mild to severe hypoxic brain injuries (brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen) which can lead to long-term complications including:

  • Inattentiveness
  • Poor judgment
  • Decreased motor skills
  • Coma
  • Seizures
  • Brain death

YOUNG CHILDREN ARE AT RISK

No one is completely immune to drowning accidents, but young children are especially at risk. The CDC reports that drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children between 1 and 4 years old.

Additionally, about one in five people who die of drowning are 14 years of age or younger. And for every child who dies by drowning, another five are taken to the emergency room for non-fatal injuries.

FACTORS THAT INCREASE DROWNING RISKS

The risk of drowning, especially when it comes to young children, increases because of many different factors:

  • Swimming Skills. Young children who don’t know how to swim properly are more likely to drown, even with the use of life jackets or other flotation devices.
  • Physical Barriers. Drownings are more likely to occur in pools without fences or other physical barriers to prevent young children from jumping or falling in an adult present.
  • Lack of Supervision. Children who are not supervised are more likely to drown because there is no one to help them if they are showing difficulty swimming or begin to drown.
  • Alcohol Use. Those in the pool are more likely to drown if they have consumed alcohol, and adults supervising children are less likely to recognize signs of drowning or danger if they are consuming alcohol.
  • Seizures. For those with seizure disorders, accidental drowning a leading cause of death.

PREVENTING SWIMMING POOL ACCIDENTS

Keep in mind that 74% of drowning accidents occur at a residential location. With that said, we encourage everyone to take safety precautions during summer seasons when swimming activities increase, including:

  • Have at least one sober adult supervisor keeping an eye on children at all times. Drowning accidents can still occur when children know how to swim, so it’s important to recognize the signs of drowning.
  • Make sure at least one adult, supervisor, or childcare provider knows cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
  • Never leave children unsupervised in a body of water, even if they do know how to swim. Keep children 4 years old or younger within arm’s reach and do not rely on floatation devices as a sure means of drowning prevention.
  • Install physical barriers around all bodies of water, including pools, spas, and hot tubs.

If you or a loved one is injured in a swimming pool or drowning accident, our firm may be able to help you seek compensation for your physical and emotional damages.

Our family is here to help yours. Contact Huffman & Huffman at (757) 599-6050 to get in touch with our Virginia injury attorneys.

Related Posts

  • wet floor sign
    Premises Liability
    5 mins READ

    Dollar General Slip and Fall Settlements

    All over Virginia, people visit Dollar General stores to purchase goods at affordable prices. Maintaining a low overhead is part of how bargain store chains like Dollar General offer such low prices. This sometimes leads to hazardous situations involving substandard flooring, shelving, and other fixtures within a store, increasing the potential for accidents. If you...
    Read More  
  • Man with a neckbrace
    Bike Accidents
    Car Accidents
    Dog Bites
    Pedestrian Accidents
    Personal Injury
    Premises Liability
    Slip and Fall Accidents
    5 mins READ

    Can I Make a Personal Injury Claim if My Injuries Are Not Serious?

    Can I Make a Personal Injury Claim if My Injuries Are Not Serious? Handling the aftermath of an accident can be challenging, particularly when your injuries appear minor. Many people mistakenly believe that only severe injuries warrant a personal injury claim. However, soft tissue injuries can still lead to considerable pain, interfere with your daily...
    Read More  
  • Asian beautiful young woman teacher teaching art to kids at school. Attractive Instructor master female explain and educate draw and painting, palying with student kindergarten pre school in classroom
    Personal Injury
    Premises Liability
    3 mins READ

    Child Injuries In Child Care

    As parents, few things are more upsetting than when our children are injured. The experience can be even worse when they are injured at a childcare facility under the care of trained adults who are supposed to be providing a safe, loving environment. In the aftermath of a child’s injury, many parents are uncertain how...
    Read More