by Julianna Atchley | Jul 14, 2024 | Family Health

What Are The Most Common Water Injuries in the U.S.?

Summer is now in now in full swing, boats have found their way back to the lakes, kayaks to the rivers, and children to swimming pools. Each year, thousands of people in the U.S. suffer common water injuries from slips and falls, various accidents, to swimming injuries. Of all accidents, drowning is a significant public health issue in the United States. Let’s dive into the statistics, common types of water injuries, and tips for staying safe around water.

Understanding Drowning: Types, Statistics, and Prevention

All drownings occur because of water, but not all occur in water, such as secondary drowning and dry drowning.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• About 4,000 fatal unintentional drownings occur each year in the U.S., averaging 11 deaths per day.
• Nonfatal drownings number around 8,000 annually, often leading to serious injuries and long-term disabilities.
• Drowning is the leading cause of injury death for children aged 1-4 years and the second leading cause of death for children 5-14 after automobile accident.
  80% of drowning deaths are among males.

These numbers highlight the importance of water safety for everyone, especially young children. Many of these tragic incidents can be prevented with the right precautions.

Types of Injuries

Water activities can lead to a variety of other injuries such as:

• Cuts and bruises: From sharp objects in the water.
• Sprains and fractures: Often due to slipping on wet surfaces or diving into shallow water.
• Infections: From bacteria in contaminated water.

What are the Risk Factors for Water-Related Injuries?

Many factors can lead to drowning and other water-related injuries. Many people do not have basic swimming skills which can help prevent drowning so learning how to swim is one of the biggest preventative measures you can take. If you have children and a pool, make sure it is fenced to prevent unsupervised children from entering. When supervising children in or near water, or when swimming yourself, minimize your distractions. Drowning happens faster and more quietly than you might think.

Pay special attention to children with autism spectrum disorder because they are nearly 40 times more likely to die from drowning than children in the general population.
If you or someone you are swimming with has a seizure disorder or is taking medication that can slow reaction time, practice the buddy system for increased safety. Seizure disorders can also make bathtubs unsafe.

How Can I Stay Safe Around Water?

Here are some practical water safety tips to help you stay safe:

1. Learn to Swim
   Ensure that everyone in your family learns basic swimming skills and water safety.
2. Supervise Children Closely
   Never leave children unattended near water. Designate a responsible adult to watch them closely.
3. Install Barriers
   Put up fences around pools with self-closing and self-latching gates.
4. Avoid Alcohol
   Do not consume alcohol before or during swimming, boating, or other water activities.
5. Wear Life Jackets
   Use life jackets when boating or swimming in open water, even if you are a strong swimmer.
6. Take First Aid and CPR Classes
   Learn CPR and basic first aid to respond quickly in case of an emergency.
7. Stay Informed About Weather Conditions
   Be aware of the weather forecast and water conditions before heading out.

Drowning and water-related injuries are preventable. By taking preventative measures, you can ensure a fun and safe experience around water for yourself and your loved ones. If you have any concerns or need personalized care, don’t hesitate to schedule a same-day appointment with AFC Urgent Care.