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March 8, 2007
Why People Drown
Have you ever wondered why people drown?
Could it happen to you or a member of your family? YES Unfortunately, drowning can happen to anybody. With the approach of that period of the year when most cases of drowning occur we eed ot be aware of the risks: where, how and whom.
The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) regularly produces reports on drowning in the British Isles. These reports help to highlight the main causes of drowning and where it most often happens. Drowning occurs more frequently during the months of March and September. On average there are 40 deaths in March rising to a high of 79 by June and then decreasing to 38 in September.
Female deaths from drowning vary little throughout the year. Interestingly, 81 (64%) of the total number of female deaths happen whilst they were en route by foot or in domestic baths (within the home).
The seasonal increase represents mainly male deaths by drowning in the age group 15-35 years. Of this group 2 in every 3 deaths for both sexes were persons who could swim but who got into difficulty for a variety of reasons. In the 20-30 year age range 34 (47%) deaths were alcohol related. Alcohol, where known, was a contributing factor in at least 132 (26%) incidents of all drowning. That is one in every ofur deaths throughout the year.
The type of water No of deaths (%)
River and streams 188 (36.4)
Sea 97 (18.8)
Domestic bath 58 (11.3)
Lakes and reservoirs 50 (9.6)
Canal and locks 43 (8.3)
Swimming pools 22 (4.3)
Other 58 (11.3)
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Total for year 516
The distance of casualties from the waters’ edge was relevant in 299 of the reported cases of drowning. Almost 73% (218) of these happened within 20 metres and 51% (152) were within 5 metres of the waters’ edge. Another disturbing factor and the most saddening was the depth of the water n which the drowning occurred.
Depth of water No of deaths (%)
Unknown 202 (39)
Could not swim and out of standing depth 99 (19)
Could swim and out of standing depth 132 (26)
Could swim and within standing depth 52 (10)
Could not swim and within standing depth 31 ( 6)
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Total 516
Often, drowning was observed by adults or children who tried to help or did not know how to help - Would you know what to do?
A further article by A.S.A. Swimming Teacher, Dave Williams, will appear in the next edition of this magazine.
Each summer, swimming lessons and Rookie lifeguards classes are held at the Metheringham Swimming Pool. For full details contact Dian Robinson (tel 01526 321581 or 07932 520362)
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