Drowning is one of the leading causes of unintentional injury-related deaths worldwide, with an estimated 236,000 deaths annually. Drowning can occur in any body of water, including swimming pools, lakes, rivers, and even bathtubs.

Understanding the three major causes of drowning is essential in preventing these tragic accidents:

  • Lack of Swimming Ability: Many people who drown are unable to swim or are weak swimmers. Children and young adults are particularly vulnerable to drowning due to their lack of experience and weaker swimming skills. Learning to swim is a crucial life skill that can prevent drowning accidents. Non-swimmers should enroll in swimming lessons and practice water safety skills, such as staying within designated swimming areas, using life jackets, and avoiding alcohol consumption while swimming.
  • Lack of Supervision: Another leading cause of drowning is a lack of supervision. Children and inexperienced swimmers should always be supervised when in or around the water. However, even experienced swimmers can become fatigued or experience a medical emergency in the water, so it’s always a good idea to let someone know you’re in the water. Adults should always supervise children in or around the water, even if the child is wearing a life jacket or using other flotation devices. Swimming pools should be fenced off and have a self-closing and self-latching gate to prevent unsupervised access.
  • Alcohol and Drug Use: Alcohol and drug use is another significant cause of drowning. Alcohol can impair judgment, reduce coordination and balance, and increase the risk of hypothermia in cold water. Drugs can also have similar effects, making it difficult for individuals to swim and stay afloat.

Individuals should avoid alcohol and drug use when swimming or boating. Designated drivers should be appointed for boating trips, and individuals should avoid swimming when drinking alcohol.

If a loved one drowns due to the negligence of another party, such as a property owner or lifeguard, family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. Because of the complexities involved with wrongful death claims, it’s a good idea to retain an experienced personal injury attorney to assist you and help you get justice for your loved one.

How Can An Attorney Help?

If a loved one has drowned due to the negligence of another person or entity, a skilled attorney who is experienced in handling wrongful death cases can help by:

  • Investigating the circumstances surrounding the drowning;
  • Determining if there was any negligence on the part of another party;
  • Helping the loved ones of the victim navigate the legal system and file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Personal injury attorneys, such as the ones at RTRLAW, can help the drowning victim’s family recover damages for their loss, including medical expenses, funeral costs, and loss of income. They also can help the family obtain compensation for the pain and suffering endured because of the drowning.

Contact RTRLAW for Legal Assistance Today!

Drowning due to the negligence of others is a terrible, preventable tragedy that can have devastating consequences for families. Understanding the three major causes of drowning and taking steps to prevent them can help reduce the number of drowning accidents.

If your loved one has drowned due to the negligence of another party, it’s important to seek legal advice from a personal injury attorney who is experienced in wrongful death cases. RTRLAW’s wrongful death attorneys can advise you throughout the legal process and help you obtain the justice and compensation you deserve.