What Are the Top Risk Factors for Drowning?

With summer approaching fast, more people will be spending time around bodies of water. It is important to remind ourselves of some basic water safety tips so that a fun day out doesn’t turn into a tragedy.

Arthur E. Benjamin is a Palm Beach based nonprofit founder and philanthropist who has recently founded Action to End Drowning, which advocates for drowning prevention and swimming safety. He shares the top risk factors for drowning so you can avoid them and stay safe.

• Young children between the ages of one and four are more likely to drown than any other age group.
• Not knowing how to swim. This one seems very obvious, but this is why it is so important that children learn how to swim from a young age. You never know when you might need this skill!
• Improper fences around pools. All pools should be surrounded on all sides by a fence that separates it from the house. Enclosing the pool will greatly reduce the risk of children gaining access to the water and accidentally drowning.
• Lack of supervision. Drowning can happen very quickly, and it is not as loud and dramatic as you may think.
• Not wearing life jackets. Even if you are a competent swimmer, it is important to wear a life jacket.
• Drinking alcohol or using drugs, even prescription medication.