Drowning Statistics
Here are some important statistics on just how dangerous drowning truly is
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Facts on Drowning
Here are some helpful facts on what drowning is, where it is most common, and who is most at risk
What are the signs of drowning?
Active drowning can begin within 20 seconds of the victim being in distress. Active drowning means that the victim is in the process of drowning. The victim will be impaired due to inhalation of water and will not be able to call for help. There are several things to look for when determining if a person is drowning or not.
1. victim may still be vertical in the water, but not able to move towards help or safety
2. victim will not be able to wave for assistance or reach for safety equipment
3.victim cannot voluntarily control arm or leg movements
4.victim will typically struggle on the surface for 20-60 seconds before being submerged
5. victim will have his or her head tilted back so their mouth and nose is above the water (this is natural survival instinct)
When and where is drowning most common?
Drownings peak in the warmer months, usually during the afternoon when it is warmest. However, they can occur at all times of the day or night. Drownings happen more often on the weekends. A vast majority of drownings occur in natural water settings (lakes, oceans, ponds, rivers). Natural water settings are more dangerous because of the outdoor conditions, rip currents, waves, rapids, undertow etc. Salt water and fresh water drowning is different. It takes person longer to drown on fresh water because fresh water is more alike the water in a human body.
Who is at risk?
People ages 5-84 most commonly drown in natural water settings. Both males and females have similar risks in drowning in natural water.
Active drowning can begin within 20 seconds of the victim being in distress. Active drowning means that the victim is in the process of drowning. The victim will be impaired due to inhalation of water and will not be able to call for help. There are several things to look for when determining if a person is drowning or not.
1. victim may still be vertical in the water, but not able to move towards help or safety
2. victim will not be able to wave for assistance or reach for safety equipment
3.victim cannot voluntarily control arm or leg movements
4.victim will typically struggle on the surface for 20-60 seconds before being submerged
5. victim will have his or her head tilted back so their mouth and nose is above the water (this is natural survival instinct)
When and where is drowning most common?
Drownings peak in the warmer months, usually during the afternoon when it is warmest. However, they can occur at all times of the day or night. Drownings happen more often on the weekends. A vast majority of drownings occur in natural water settings (lakes, oceans, ponds, rivers). Natural water settings are more dangerous because of the outdoor conditions, rip currents, waves, rapids, undertow etc. Salt water and fresh water drowning is different. It takes person longer to drown on fresh water because fresh water is more alike the water in a human body.
Who is at risk?
People ages 5-84 most commonly drown in natural water settings. Both males and females have similar risks in drowning in natural water.
Important Things To Remember
Here are some important things to remember when dealing with a drowning victim and some important tips on how to swim safely.
When dealing with a drowning, remember these things:
Throw - throw a life preserver to the victim
Row - use a boat to go out and rescue the victim
Go - go into the water and rescue the victim (this is the last and most dangerous option)
Tips on swimming safely:
When dealing with a drowning, remember these things:
- Always use the least invasive means of saving the victim, getting into the water to rescue someone should be the last choice
- Reach, Throw, Row, Go
Throw - throw a life preserver to the victim
Row - use a boat to go out and rescue the victim
Go - go into the water and rescue the victim (this is the last and most dangerous option)
Tips on swimming safely:
- Do not go out into unfamiliar water
- Scout the area before you go into unfamiliar water - have a plan if something goes wrong
- Wear a personal flotation device
- Recognize the characteristics of the natural water setting - it is easier to drown in cold water because it inhibits a person from thinking clearly
- Do not swim without someone with you or in a very secluded spot