Drownings are incredibly dangerous, and unfortunately, very common. From 2005-2014, there were about 10 drowning deaths per 
day in the United States. Additionally, about one in every 5 people who die from a drowning accident is under the age of 14. Serious injuries can be caused by drowning, too. Cutting off oxygen to the brain, also known as cerebral hypoxia, can cause severe brain damage in a very short amount of time. The signs of drowning may not always be obvious, but it’s important to know what to do in these very dangerous situations.
The common signs of drowning:
- Bobbing up and down—mouth barely goes above water’s surface
- The person's head is tilted back, and the mouth is open
- Eyes are closed or glassy when open
- Gasping for air
- Attempting to climb (looks like climbing an invisible ladder)
Helpful Things to Know:
CPR
Knowing CPR can save a person’s life. If you would like to become CPR certified, check out these resources.
Taking Precautions
If you own a home with a pool, make sure it is fenced in. Additionally, take all preventative measures to ensure children do not have easy access to the pool.
Always Keep an Eye Out
If you bring your child to a crowded pool, always watch them. When there are many people nearby, your child can get lost easily. This can be especially dangerous if your child begins to drown.
What You Can Do To Prevent Drownings
Remember, even skilled swimmers can drown. If you’re swimming in a public space, like a lake, ocean, or pool, make sure a lifeguard is present. If you’re swimming in a private swimming pool, make sure you always have another person with you. Drownings can happen quickly, and oftentimes, they are silent.
Below are some helpful resources on preventing drownings:
Contact Us
If you know someone who was injured in a drowning accident due to a lack of safety and supervision, contact us. You can call us at (214) 699-4409 or email [email protected]. You can also reach us by filling out the contact form.
Sources:
https://www.army.mil/article/109852/drowning_doesnt_look_like_drowning
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/what-drowning-really-looks-like
https://blog.uvahealth.com/2018/06/22/water-safety/
