Nearly 4,000 people die from drowning each year in the US, which averages out to 11 drowning deaths per day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC reports that drowning is the leading cause of death for children 1 to 4 years of age and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children 5 to 14 years of age.
Here’s what the American Association of Swimming Schools and the American Red Cross say to do if someone is drowning.
HOW TO DETECT A PERSON WHO IS DROWNING
Drowning can happen in an instant for all ages and swimming abilities. A drowning person often remains silent and does not thrash or splash. A drowning person will appear to have difficulty moving and staying afloat and will have difficulty keeping their head above water.
The American Red Cross says that other signs and indicators include that the person is vertical or upright in the water and he or she is pressing their arms against their sides.
A drowning person cannot call for help.
HOW TO HELP WHEN SOMEONE IS DROWNING
Experts recommend the “reach or shoot, don’t go” rule. Going into the water to help someone in trouble can cause your potential rescuer to drown as well, according to the American Red Cross.
Instead, try giving the drowning person a buoyant device or find an object that can be used to reach them out of the water. If a drowning victim needs to be pulled out of the water, it is safe to approach from behind so the rescuer is not knocked over.
Notify the emergency services and nearby lifeguards as soon as possible.
If the victim is not breathing, CPR and rescue breathing should be performed, increasing the chances of survival while waiting for emergency services to arrive.
The victim should be evaluated for signs of secondary drowning, which occurs when there is water in their lungs that can lead to suffocation hours later.
The authorities reported a poor quality of life in the suspect’s house; Trash, food and cat feces throughout the house.
