Summer vacation is in full swing. To escape the heat and have fun, many people go to the pool, lake, river or beach.

Only half of Americans know how to swim though, and drowning accidents can happen quickly, even to the most experienced swimmers.

Who's At Risk?

Children ages 1 to 4 have the highest rate of drowning accidents. Most drownings happen in home swimming pools. Drowning is the second-leading cause of death for young children.

Males are more likely to be drowning victims. Nearly 80% of people who die from drowning are young boys and men.

African Americans have significantly higher rates of drowning at all ages, particularly when swimming pools are involved.

What Factors Can Contribute to Drowning?

On average, about 4,000 people die each year in the U.S. due to drowning. Here are the main factors that can influence conditions leading to a drowning accident:

• Inability to Swim: Many adults and children report that they can't swim or haven't had formal swimming lessons.
• Location: Young children tend to drown in swimming pools or bathtubs. Over the age of 15, more than half of drownings occurred in lakes, rivers, and other natural settings.
• Lack of Life Jacket: Life jackets, particularly for those who can't swim, are a crucial part of water safety.
• Unsecured Swimming Areas: Four-sided fences and gate locks are key to reducing a majority of water-related deaths for small children.
• Inadequate Supervision: Drowning can happen quickly and quietly without lifeguards or supervising adults. Untrained or inattentive lifeguards may not respond adequately in a crisis.
• Recklessness: There's a reason roughhousing, alcohol, and overcrowding is prohibited near water. Swimmers who act recklessly put others in danger.
• Unmarked Hazards: Failing to post warnings of hazardous conditions and rules near swimming pools or other swimming areas could lead to drowning or slip and fall injuries.
• Seizures: Drowning is the most common cause of unintentional injury death for people susceptible to seizures.

Why Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney?

Many drowning accidents are preventable. Sometimes they are caused by negligence or reckless behavior. Even if a drowning victim survives, they may be left with permanent brain damage requiring months or years of expensive therapy and care.

If someone is responsible for your loved one's injury or drowning death, our personal injury and wrongful death attorneys can help you understand your rights. Contact us as soon as possible to go over the facts of your case.