Hey there, fellow Missourians! You know how much we love our summer dips in the water, right? Whether it’s cruising on the Lake of the Ozarks or just splashing around at the local pool, water activities are fundamental to summer fun here. There’s nothing quite like cooling off in the water when the sun’s blazing down Drowning Accidents.
But hey, it’s not all cannonballs and pool noodles. We need to address a serious issue that’s lurking beneath the surface: drowning accidents. These tragic events can turn a perfect day into a heartbreaking ordeal, affecting families and entire communities. It’s something we don’t always like to think about, but it’s crucial that we do.
Drowning accidents are happening more often in the Show-Me state than we’d like to admit. A boat crash in Lake Ozark last year, which left 8 people injured, served as a stark reminder of the same.
Between May and July 2023, three people lost their lives to drowning accidents in the lake, including a six-year-old. The lake, attracting over 12 million annual visitors, is considered one of the most dangerous lakes in the US for both drowning and boating accidents.
Today, we’ll examine the threat of drowning accidents in the Show-Me state by exploring their contributing factors.
Contributing Factors for Drowning Accidents in Missouri
To better understand why drowning accidents are common in Missouri, it is crucial to break down their contributing factors. Below, we’ve categorized them into three categories. Let’s delve deeper into it:
Human Factors
Let’s start with us—humans. Our behavior plays a significant role in drowning accidents. A lot of times, these accidents happen because people don’t have strong swimming skills or aren’t fully aware of water safety. Kids, in particular, might think they’re better swimmers than they are or not realize just how dangerous water can be.
The drowning case of a 6-year-old – TJ Mister – at the Kennedy Kids Camp last year serves as a prime example of it. TJ’s parents received a settlement of $8 million from St. Louis County, which ran the summer camp, for its accountability in their son’s death.
Olga Mister, TJ’s mother, said:
“It still hurts every day when you wake up and he’s not there, that doesn’t change because you have some money.”
Swimming pool drowning accidents are common around St. Louis, not just in camps but on private properties as well. TorHoerman Law notes that when such an accident takes place on a third person’s property due to their negligence, it makes them accountable.
If you ever find yourself in such a scenario, you’re eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against the property owner. While some people prefer to do it by themselves, those who might need expert help can consider hiring a St. Louis personal injury attorney.
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors play a key role in drowning accidents in Missouri, often creating risky situations that can catch swimmers and boaters off guard. Sudden storms, strong winds, and quick changes in weather can whip up strong currents, making it tough to stay safe in the water.
Even when it’s hot outside, the water in Missouri’s lakes and rivers often stays chilly, leading to hypothermia, messing with your muscle function and coordination. Plus, murky water can make it hard to see hazards or spot someone who’s struggling, and strong currents can easily pull you away from safety.
Seasonal changes like spring melts and heavy rainfall can change water levels and flow rates, bringing unexpected dangers like floating debris and hidden obstacles.
Many natural water areas also lack proper warning systems to alert visitors about dangerous conditions. This results in people heading into the water without knowing the risks, which creates a scenario ripe for drowning accidents.
Natural Water Bodies
In Missouri, we’re lucky to have some stunning natural waterways that are perfect for cooling off on a hot day. Places like the Lake of the Ozarks and the Missouri River are not just bodies of water—they’re beloved spots for swimming, boating, and making unforgettable memories. But let’s not forget that these beauties come with their own set of challenges.
Picture this: you’re out on the Lake of the Ozarks, the sun shining, the water sparkling. It all seems perfect until you realize the water’s not as friendly as it looks. Underneath that serene surface lie uneven depths, sneaky currents, and who knows what else lurking below.
Gabriel Parker, a teenager from Shelby County, ended up being a victim in one such incident. Parker went out to swim in the Clearance Lake on a May morning, but failed in his attempt to swim the width of the lake. As his body grew fatigued from the long swim, he went underwater. His friends tried to rescue him in vain.
A member from the Macon County rescue squad team, who was one of the respondents, managed to pull Parker’s body out. The teenager had not been wearing a life jacket.
Unlike swimming pools with their lifeguards and clear rules, these natural water bodies are like the wild west of swimming—anything goes. It’s on us to be aware of the risks and take precautions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How common is accidental drowning in the US?
The American Red Cross Society notes that unintentional drowning is highly common in the country. An average of ten people end up losing their lives in a drowning accident every single day, with 2 of them being aged under 14.
Who has the highest risk of drowning?
Children between 1-4 years of age are at the highest risk of drowning globally, followed by the 5-9 years age group. In fact, drowning is a leading cause of death among children below the age of 4.
What kind of drowning is most common?
Drowning is broadly divided into four types, out of which wet drowning is the most common. It involves water entering into your lungs, preventing you from breathing. It typically happens when someone is submerged in a water body and cannot reach the surface for air.
While water activities bring joy and relief during hot Missouri summers, they also pose significant risks, as evidenced by the frequency of drowning accidents. Let’s stay informed and take proactive steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones in and around Missouri’s beautiful natural water bodies.
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