3. Drowning is the 2nd
leading cause of
unintentional injury-
related deaths in the U.S.
Inability to swim or overestimation of swimming capabilities
Risk-taking behavior, including the use of alcohol and illicit
drugs
Inadequate adult supervision of children
Trauma (such as a physical injury), seizures, stroke, heart
attack or heart arrhythmia
"Shallow water blackout" in which swimmers hyperventilate in
order to swim longer under water. This can lead to a lack of
oxygen in the brain and loss of consciousness.
Hypothermia, or lowered body temperature. This can lead to
heart arrhythmia and rapid exhaustion.
4. Anatomy of a
Hot Market
Unintentional injuries are the
leading cause of death in the United
States for persons aged 1–19 years
and the fifth leading cause of death
for newborns and infants aged <1
year. This report describes 10-year
trends in unintentional injury deaths
among persons aged 0–19 years.
Drowning
Do not attempt to rescue a drowning person while in the
water yourself unless you are trained to do so and have
lifesaving equipment. People who are drowning may panic
and pull you underwater with them; dangerous
circumstances - such as strong currents or rip tides - may
also endanger you.
If possible, reach out with or throw an object that floats to the
person from a secure out-of-water position, such as a boat, a
swimming pool ladder or a dock.
For a person pulled from the water, tilt the head back, lift the
chin and check for breathing and other signs of life. Expel
fluid or other objects from the mouth.
If the person is not breathing, give two slow rescue breaths.
If rescue breaths go in, give CPR. If rescue breaths do not go
in, reposition the airway and reattempt.
If the person is still not breathing after rescue breaths are
administered, see Unconscious Choking.