Drowning Prevention Tips by the WHO
The World Health Organization reports that drowning accidents are a real and serious problem worldwide and every single person in the world is at risk of being a victim of a drowning accident. In 2016 alone, the WHO said more than 320,000 people died after they drowned. Drowning is more complex than just struggling underwater and suffocating, although that is the most commonly reported way for death by drowning. There are actually six different categories of drowning including:
- Wet drowning where the lungs fill up with water.
- Dry drowning has no water in the lungs.
- Silent drowning
- Active drowning
- Passive drowning
- Secondary drowning where after damage to the lining of the lungs, the body secretes fluid and fills up the lungs.
If you have been the victim of a drowning accident in Arizona call the Phoenix drowning accident injury attorneys at ELG. The Arizona drowning accident attorneys at ELG only work on personal injury cases and we are dedicated to providing our clients with the highest quality legal services. We are well-known and respected in the greater Phoenix region for our commitment to improving our community and helping aggrieved victims see their full legal justice.
Can Drowning Incidents Be Prevented?
The risk for a drowning accident is one that cannot be completely eliminated, but measures can be taken to reduce the number of accidents that happen every year. Some of the proactive steps that can be done to make environments where bodies of water exist safer for the public include:
- Covering wells
- Installing or putting in place doorway barriers
- Using playpens
- Putting up fences and barriers around pools
- Controlling admission to aqueous areas
- Limiting exposure to water hazards
- Eliminating water hazard
- Supervision of children
- Education for school-age children on safety with swimming and the danger that exists in the water
- Teaching safe rescue skills
- Developing policies and legislation aimed at drowning prevention
- Guidelines for safe boating practices
- Shipping and ferry regulations
- Improving flooding operating procedures such as land use planning and installing early warning systems
- Establishing national water safety strategies
These strategies were developed and reported on by the WHO and applicable for every country in the world as a means to keep their people safer from potential drowning incidents. The list is extensive because the risk for drowning accidents happening go far beyond just in the pool. A day out on the lake in your boat can turn into a tragic accident if recklessness and negligence are involved. Heavy rains can lead to rapidly rising streams and lakes which overflow and lead to dangerous flooding. A drain that can fill up with water that doesn’t have a drain cover is a huge vulnerability for anyone not paying attention and especially young children.
Speak with an Arizona Drowning Accident Attorney Today
Drowning accidents can cause massive health implications and damages and they also are responsible for taking hundreds of thousands of lives annually across the globe. When you have been the victim of a Phoenix drowning accident, you deserve justice and to receive compensation for your damages. Let the Phoenix serious injury attorneys at ELG fight on your behalf. Call ELG today to schedule your free consultation at (623) 877-3600.
