What are the Most Common Factors That Influence the Risk of Drowning?

Most of us have an innate caution in and around water and swimming pools, in the sense that we know the risks of potential drowning or near-drowning accidents. However, these concerns aren’t necessarily universal, as more drowning victims die each year across the U.S. Usually, it is easy to see why these accidents arise after the fact, but it helps to know what to look for before they occur. Let’s take a closer look at some of the factors that can influence the risk of drowning:

Common Factors Related to Drowning Incidents 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the biggest factors that may increase the risk of drowning include: 

• Inferior swimming ability: Adults and children who have received at least some swimming instruction are far less likely to be involved in a drowning situation or other pool-related accident. Those with limited swimming skills can easily panic or get themselves into a sticky situation while in the water. 
• Not enough barriers, fencing: On average, pools that are fully fenced around all four sides can reduce the risk of a drowning incident by more than 80 percent, compared to those fenced on three or less sides. 
• Lack of responsible supervision: It should come as no surprise that swimmers of all ages and skill levels are much less likely to drown with the help of adequate supervision. Drownings can happen in less than a minute from start to finish–according to CDC data, over 75 percent of residential drowning victims were left alone for no more than five minutes before being discovered. 
• Use of drugs or alcohol: If you’ve ever been swimming at all, you’ve likely seen the big “alcohol prohibited” sign at every pool and park. The reason for this is simple–intoxication from drugs or alcohol is cited as a factor for just under 70 percent of all water-related injuries and deaths around the U.S. 
• Epilepsy or other seizure disorder: Drownings and other pool-related accidents are among the leading causes for injury and death for those who are diagnosed with epilepsy or other seizure disorders. Any swimmers with these conditions should never swim unattended. 

Injured in a Drowning or Near-Drowning Accident? Contact VLF Now 

For a free legal consultation, call (725) 900-9000

If you or someone you love was injured in a drowning or near-drowning accident that was caused by another party, it may start to feel as though you will never get your life back on track. Thankfully, however, help is just a phone call away–the swimming pool drowning attorneys from Van Law Firm are ready to help you get the treatment and compensation you deserve. Call our office nearest you today to learn more.