Facts on Drowning

We spent one day talking about drowning so I thought I would pass some facts on to you.

1.  Aquatic deaths are the second leading cause of accidental fatalities under the age of 44.

2.  One seventh of all drownings are boat related.

3.  Men drown four times as frequently as women.

4.  Blacks are twice as likely to die from drowning as whites.

5.  Over 50% of drowning victims had been drinking.

6.  50% of drowning victims occur outside the months of June, July, and August.

7.  You are twice as likely to die of drowning in Canada than the U.S.

8.  You are ten times more likely to drown in Alaska than the lower 48.

9.  2/3 of drowning victims are non-swimmers-or poor swimmers.

10.  Most drowning victims are fully clothed and did not intend to go into the water.

11.  85% of boating accident victims could have lived if wearing a PFD (Personal Flotation Device).

12.  The primary drowning victim is 18- 24 year old white male that is intoxicated with his zipper down.

13.  Most drownings are within 10 feet of safety/50 feet from shore.

14.  60% of all drownings are witnessed.

15.  The longest submersion with complete recovery was 66 minutes.

16.  Most drownings tend to involve fully clothed, panicked non-or poor swimmers or good swimmers who have compromised their swimming skills through injury, or alcohol/drug use-overuse.

17.  Sudden immersion triggers an uncontrollable physiological progression, which-unless interrupted by a rescuer , will end in death.
              a.  They are driven by two basic forces: fear, and the need for air.
              b.  They can not hear, see, or think, or respond.
              c.  They will attempt to elevate themselves through uncontrolled climbing upon anything or anyone.
              d.  They demonstrate four classic indications of drowning.
                        1.  Their head is back
                        2.  Their mouth is open but not verbalizing!
                        3.  They move both arms simultaneously in an above the water breast stroke.
                        4,  Their head bobs up and down above/below the surface.

18.  A small child can drown in 20 seconds.

19.  An adult can drown in 60 seconds.

20.  An intoxicated person can drown in water no deeper than their hips.

21.  An intoxicant, even if found immediately after drowning, may be difficult or impossible to resuscitate.

22.  When attempting to rescue someone remember this priority:  YOU, Your Partner, the victim.  DON'T become another victim.

23.  Cold water victims are not dead until they are warmed and dead.  Start CPR immediately and continue until help arrives.  The victim is still alive until warmed and dead.  (This rule was repeated over and over as Alaskan waters are cold.)

24.  Use these rules for rescue attempts
             a.  Talk first to the person as they may not realize that they are in shallow water
             b.  Reach for the person if it is safe
             c.  Throw a object for them to reach for, do not tie that item to yourself.
             d.  Row - go out to the victim
             e.  Never get into the water if at all possible and don't go in if you are not a qualified rescuer as the victim could take you under.  Do not become a victim.