by John Gomez | Last Updated: June 30, 2016

The 4^th of July Holiday Weekend is upon us, and it’s a time for Americans to unwind and relax with family and friends.  Millions of people will travel, and we hope that is all done safely.

Millions more will go swimming, as this is always something that people of all ages enjoy when immersed in summer weather.

Unfortunately, that also means that people who swim will encounter danger.  As we close out National Safety Month, we’d like to provide some statistics regarding drowning deaths in the United States.  This is clearly a difficult topic to cover, but hopefully those with knowledge of these statistics will take precautionary steps to avoid tragedy.  Please enjoy your holiday weekend safely.

Drowning Deaths in the United States

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the CDC, records and tracks several different types of statistics relating to danger and harm faced by Americans.  One of those bodies of data involves drowning deaths.  For many people, these numbers will be nothing short of shocking.  According to the CDC, the following statistics relate to drowning deaths across the country:

1. An average of more than 3,500 people die every year in the United States from drownings that are not related to boating incidents.
2. More than 300 other people are killed by drowning every year in boating-related incidents.
3. Approximately 20 percent of those drowning deaths in the United States involve children who are 14 years old or younger.
4. Approximately 3,500 children 14 and younger in the United States are rushed to the emergency room after non-fatal water submersion injuries.
5. More than half of all people requiring emergency care after non-fatal submersion injuries require significant stays in hospitals for care.

A full breakdown of these statistics can be found here.  These are terrifying figures to be sure, but hopefully more awareness can help people bring these numbers down collectively.

Ideas for Preventing Drowning Deaths

Below are some ideas from different sources for people to keep in mind so that neither they nor someone they love becomes a tragic part of these statistics:

1. CPR – It is highly advisable that someone who is near swimmers knows CPR, as that can make the difference between life and death.
2. Supervision – Especially if children are present, at least one adult should be present when people are swimming.
3. Sobriety – Like many other things, the impairment of judgment that comes with alcohol consumption can lead to bad, or in this case tragic decisions.
4. Currents – If you will be swimming in a lake, river or ocean, be sure to understand the conditions regarding currents so you can avoid danger.
5. Fatigue – Many people drown because they simply become too tired to swim to safety.  Monitor the fatigue levels of all swimmers at all times.

Drowning Deaths and Your Legal Rights

The Gomez Trial Attorneys have heard too many tragic stories over the years of people who lost their lives unnecessarily.  We hope that no one suffers this type of loss over the holiday weekend.

If you have lost someone you love to one of the many drowning deaths or for some other reason, contact the wrongful death lawyers in San Diego at the Gomez Trial Attorneys to schedule a free initial consultation.  We hope you have a happy and safe 4^th of July.

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