A recent spate of drownings at recreation areas across the Midwest is raising concerns as the summer recreation season gets underway.

 

Drowning has already claimed the seven lives this year at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recreation sites, including two in Missouri and one in Kansas as well as other drownings in the region along the Missouri River.

 

The U-S-A-C-E notes that the common factor in these drownings is that the victims were not wearing life jackets. 91% of those who drown are not wearing life jackets. Drowning deaths are often caused by unexpectedly falling into water, which can cause involuntary gasping, injuries, or disorientation, which make it more difficult to recover from the incident.

 

The Corps of Engineers urges those enjoying outdoor water activities to take precautions such as wearing a life jacket and knowing their swimming abilities. Swimming in natural waters is different from swimming in a pool, and your swimming ability decreases with age. If you fall or jump into water that is colder than 70 degrees, you can inhale water from involuntary gasping. Learn about “boater’s hypnosis”: something that slows your reaction time, almost like intoxication. Eliminating alcohol consumption, because alcohol can cause an inner ear condition that can cause disorientation when underwater.

 

Stay safe while enjoying outdoor water activities.

 

Photo courtesy U.S. Army Corps of Engineers