SHARE

These Facts About Drowning Victims May Come As Surprise

A 4-year-old child is more likely to drown at a public pool or beach than a teenage boy or young man. True or false?

State health statistics say the most common victim of a nonintentional, drowning is a male in his teens or 20s.

State health statistics say the most common victim of a nonintentional, drowning is a male in his teens or 20s.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Surprisingly, it’s the latter, say safety experts who explode this myth, and others, on the state Department of Health’s website.

While all children should be watched closely, even when a lifeguard is present, the most common drowning victims are males in their teens through mid-20s, the state said.

Among other false beliefs the site shoots down are that above-ground swimming pools don’t have to be fenced in.

Wrong! All pools should be made inaccessible to children. A fence that is at least four feet high, can be locked, and has self-closing and self-latching gates, is recommended.

For specific regulations, contact your local code enforcement officer.

What’s not false, however, is that it’s not safe to swim or dive after you’ve had a few drinks.

Alcohol slows down reaction time, affects balance and clouds your judgment. Heat and fatigue can also exacerbate the effects of booze.

According to the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from 2005-2014, there were an average of 3,536 fatal drownings (non-boating related) a year in the United States.

Furthermore, more than 300 people drowned in boating-related incidents, the CDC stats found.

For more true/false questions about swimming and safety, click here..

to follow Daily Voice Lewisboro and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE