Drowning Risks

Our Human Resources Director at Sunbelt sends out a daily safety note. Today’s concerned drowning risk:

Stay Safe in the Water

The Problem

Every day, about ten people die from unintentional drowning. Of these, two are children aged 14 or younger. Drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States.

What factors influence drowning risk?

The main factors that affect drowning risk are the lack of swimming ability, lack of barriers to prevent unsupervised water access, lack of close supervision while swimming, location, failure to wear life jackets, alcohol use, and seizure disorders.

So, this swimming message is a powerful reminder to us as summer winds down. Check yourself and your family.

But, I was reminded of plant safety when I read the reasons for drowning.

Lack of swimming ability means people get hurt doing things they haven’t been trained to do.

Lack of barriers to prevent access means people get hurt when they venture into unguarded areas which should be locked out.

Lack of close supervision means the untrained should be mindful and all of us should hold each other accountable.

Failure to wear life preservers means people get hurt when they don’t use protective equipment and gear.

Under the influence of alcohol means people get hurt when they are impaired.

Let’s prepare ourselves against drowning as we enjoy the summer. Let’s prepare for safety as we go about our business.