AMR Urges Swimmers to Be Safe as Drowning Deaths Surges

Drowning claims an average of 20 lives in Montana each year, contributing to more than 4,000 fatal drownings nationwide.* It remains the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 and ranks among the top four causes of unintentional injury deaths for adults 54 and older. Alarmingly, due to increased exposure to water, risk-taking behaviors and alcohol use, nearly 80% of drowning victims over the age of one are male, highlighting a persistent and preventable public health emergency.

Drowning is Fast, Silent and Preventable
"Drowning can be silent and often invisible, sometimes happening rapidly in as little as 30 seconds, without a splash or cry for help. Victims can appear calm, even relaxed, right up until the moment it's too late," said Zach Green, program coordinator for American Medical Response’s (AMR) River Rescue Program based in Oregon. "Wearing a life jacket isn’t just a precaution—it’s the single most effective way to prevent a tragedy."

While drowning accidents can happen any time of the year, incidents in Montana increase drastically between June and August, when more people enjoy water recreation. Most drowning incidents occur in open water like lakes, rivers and ponds where lifeguards are limited, but American Medical Response Billings, a division of Global Medical Response (GMR), cautions swimmers to be vigilant in any body of water, including community and backyard pools and spas.

First responders at AMR offer the following tips for safe swimming and drowning prevention:

• Never swim alone – designate a swimming buddy.
• Watch small children near water and never let children swim unsupervised. For pool owners, make sure the pool is secure when not in use.
• Only use U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved life jackets and flotation devices; do not rely on toys or inner tubes.
• Make sure every family member can swim competently. Everyone should know how to safely enter and exit the water, take a breath, float, adjust their position and swim a short distance.
• Don’t take chances by overestimating your swimming skills.
• Swim only in designated swimming areas.
• Never enter a pool headfirst, unless the facility has a designated spot for diving.
• Be prepared for water emergencies. Before swimming, you should know how to safely aid a swimmer in distress. Be prepared to call for help and know how to perform CPR.
• If there is a swimmer in distress, remember “Throw, don’t go”. Do not try to swim to the person, instead pass/throw them something that floats. This will help them and keep you safe.
• Avoid pool drains and other openings that cause suction. If you own a pool, install drain covers that prevent entrapment and proper safety releases.
• Never go swimming when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• If members of your party are drinking, make sure you have a sober water watcher who can monitor the group without distraction.

"Every day, we see swimmers get into trouble by underestimating the water and overestimating their abilities,” adds Green. “Overconfidence and unfamiliar surroundings can be a deadly mix. Respect the water, know your limits and follow safety tips to protect yourself and those you love."

* Sources: Montana DPHHS, National Drowning Prevention Alliance