Swimming safety concerns us all. That said, there are times when special attention is required. In this case, did you know that, statistically, men and boys are more likely to drown? It’s true. Read on to learn more.
Drowning Danger Should Not Be Ignored
No matter who you are or what your age is, drowning danger is a serious threat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 10 people die every day from unintentional drowning. Furthermore, drowning is one of the highest risks of death for children under the age of four.
Additionally, roughly 16,000 people are rushed to hospitals for near-drownings, and half of those are hospitalized for further care. As you can see, no matter who the swimmer may be, drowning is not a threat to be taken lightly.
Men and Boys Are More Likely to Drown
Now that we’ve established how dangerous the water can be, let’s get to the topic at hand. Yes, stats from the CDC show that men and boys are more likely to drown than women and girls. Believe it or not, nearly 80 percent of the people who die from drowning are men or boys.
Taking this a step further, the danger doesn’t end after age four. Men and boys are actually more likely to drown between the ages of 15 and 24. In fact, take a look at our monthly drowning statistics. It turns out that males are almost six times more likely to drown than females.
What Are the Reasons?
Okay, so we have established that men and boys are more likely to drown. What is the reason for this discrepancy? Frankly, a specific reason can be hard to pinpoint. It is especially hard to nail down a single cause.
There are a number of reasons to consider. For one, it could simply be bravado. Men and boys often try to show off to their friends or over-exaggerate their abilities. Additionally, a study from the Boston University of Public Health and the JSI Research and Training Institute indicated that boys and men were more likely to swim alone at night and in open water. These are considered risky activities. They also were more likely than women to drink alcohol, or drink in larger quantities, while around the water. Remember, drinking and swimming never mix and can lead to tragic results.
How to Help
Since men and boys are more likely to drown, is there any hope? Well, in this case, these extra precautions and training can go a long way:
As a first step, swimming lessons can make a huge difference. No one is ever too old to learn more and it is easy to find a class in your area.
In addition to that, let us never ignore the value of swimming with friends. The truth is, the buddy system can help all of us. Having a friend to have your back while swimming can seriously reduce the risk of drowning danger.
Finally, if you are out on a boat, be sure to wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket. These floatation devices can help to prevent a possible tragedy. It stands as a reminder to everyone else onboard that safety should be keep top of mind.
With careful planning, drowning danger can be significantly reduced.
