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WATER RELATED DEATHS, INJURIES AND WATER-SPORT ACCIDENTS
In 2003, there were 3,306 unintentional fatal drownings in the United States, averaging nine people per day. This figure does not include drownings in boating-related incidents (CDC 2005). For every child 14 years and younger who dies from drowning, five receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries. More than half of these children require hospitalization (CDC 2005). Nonfatal drownings can cause brain damage that result in long-term disabilities ranging from memory problems and learning disabilities to the permanent loss of basic functioning (i.e., permanent vegetative state).
In 1998, 4,406 people drowned in the United States, an average of 12 people per day. More than 80% of drownings occur among males. Alcohol use is involved in about 25% to 50% of adolescent and adult deaths associated with water recreation. It is a major contributing factor in up to 50% of drownings among adolescent boys.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 734 people died in recreational boating incidents in 1999. Nearly three-quarters of boating-related deaths were due to drowning; 89% of people who drowned were not wearing personal flotation devices.
Report assesses lifeguards for drowning prevention
A 2001 report by CDC's Injury Center assesses lifeguards as a strategy for preventing drowning and water-related injuries. The report is the product of a meeting of experts and a review of data from the United States Lifeguard Association (USLA) and other sources. Data show that during 1988–1997, more than three-quarters of drownings at USLA sites occurred when beaches were unguarded and that the chance of drowning at a beach protected by lifeguards trained under USLA standards than 1 in 16 million. This report will help communities, local government officials, and owners of private water recreational areas make informed decisions about whether to begin, retain, or discontinue lifeguarding services.
Survey assesses swimming ability
Injury Center researchers analyzed data collected during the first Injury Control and Risk Survey to assess how well American adults thought they could swim. They found—
- More than one-third of the adult population reported that they were unable to swim at least one pool length or 24 yards.
- Self-reported swimming ability declined as age increased; it increased as level of education increased.
- African Americans reported the most limited swimming ability.
- More women than men reported limited ability, despite much lower drowning rates among women.
- These data, published in the journal Public Health Reports, will help public health practitioners identify groups at greater risk for drowning and better target water safety messages and swimming education efforts.
Swimming Pool Deaths
Pool fencing not enough to prevent drowning among young children.
The majority of drownings among the youngest Americans would not have been prevented if all pools in the U.S. had adequate fencing. In a CDC-funded study, researchers estimated that proper pool fencing would have prevented about one-fifth of drownings among children under 5. This finding suggests that additional strategies (e.g., pool covers, alarms, community education) are needed to prevent drowning.
Injuries from boat propellers highlight need for education
Injuries from boat propellers can result in permanent scarring, significant blood loss, broken bones, amputation, or death. Injury Center scientists worked with Texas public health professionals and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to characterize injuries From boat propellers in that state. During the three-month study of four Texas lakes, researchers identified 13 people who had been injured by boat propellers. Three of them died; those nonfatally injured sus-tained lacerations and broken bones. The results of the study, published in CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, indicate that severe boat propeller–related injuries may be more common than previously reported, underscoring a need to increase public awareness of safety mea-sures and to improve tracking of such injuries.
Injuries associated with personal water craft
As sales of personal water craft (e.g., jet skis) skyrocketed in the early 1990s, so did asso-ciated injuries, Injury Center researchers found in a 1997 study. Of the estimated 33,000 people treated in hospital emergency departments between 1990 and 1995 for injuries related to personal water craft (PWC), nearly three-quarters were males. Most injuries were blunt trauma to the legs, lower torso, and head. Researchers recom-mended that PWC users receive specific training, that parents or other adult care-givers supervise children and teens who use PWCs, and that PWCs not be used where people are swimming or wading. Use of personal flotation devices (e.g., life jackets, life vests) can also reduce injuries among PWC users.
Many questions remain unanswered about the risk factors for drowning and other water-related injuries. Additional research is needed to—
- Evaluate the effectiveness of legislation (e.g., pool fencing) and community-based programs to prevent drowning.
- Assess levels of water safety knowledge and swimming ability among drowning and near-drowning victims.
- Assess levels of water safety knowledge and swimming skill among the general population and among high-risk groups.
- Describe the frequency and circumstances of water activities among the general population and among various groups.
- Assess the effectiveness of personal flotation devices.
Just The Facts: Children and Drowning
- Drowning is the second leading cause of injury-related death for children ages 1 to 14.
- In 1998, more than 1,300 children and young people (ages 0_18) died from drowning.
- For every child who drowns, another four are hospitalized and 16 receive emergency department care for near-drowning.
- Among children ages 1 to 4, most drownings occur in residential swimming pools. Most children who drowned in pools were last seen in the home, had been out of sight less than five minutes, and were in the care of one or both parents at the time.
If someone you love has been injured or killed due to a water related accident, you should contact an attorney. For a free case evaluation fill out our free evaluation form below. State the details of your case or problem, and click the "submit" button. The form will be sent to the sponsored Personal Injury lawyer for evaluation. That lawyer will personally evaluate your case, contact you to further discuss your situation, or attempt to refer you to a qualified lawyer who may be able to assist you.
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