The risk of drowning is a serious threat to people who engage in aquatic activities. Swimmers should be aware that even shallow water can be dangerous if strong currents or slippery conditions that make it difficult to stay upright.
Drowning occurs when an individual loses consciousness or goes limp while swimming, walking along the shoreline, or kayaking. Factors that increase the risk of drowning include alcohol consumption, lack of swimming skills, boating under the influence, water temperature, and lack of life jackets by those engaging in marine activities.
In this article, we take a look at the elements leading to wrongful death drowning cases in the state of Nevada. Stay with us to learn more about the problems associated with wrongful death.
Drowning is the Second Leading Cause of Unintentional Death
Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths in the United States. In 2016, there were 3,536 fatal drowning incidents in the US, representing 5% of all accidental deaths that year. Drowning is also a leading cause of death for children under age 4; between 2005-2009 (the most recent decade for which data are available), 2% of all childhood unintentional injuries were caused by drowning.
Drowning occurs when someone loses consciousness while submerged in water or other liquids such as mud or snow, causing them to stop breathing and die from lack of oxygen if not rescued immediately after being submerged.
Drowning occurs when an individual loses consciousness or goes limp while swimming, walking along the shoreline, or kayaking. Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths in the United States.
Factors Increasing the Risk of Drowning
While swimming and boating are activities that many people enjoy, they can also be dangerous. Factors that increase the risk of drowning include alcohol consumption, lack of swimming skills, boating under the influence, water temperature and lack of life jackets by those engaging in marine activities.
The Nevada Wrongful Death Act defines “inherent risks” as “those dangers or conditions which are characteristic of or inherent to a particular sport or recreational activity.” In other words, if you’re engaging in an activity with a high risk for injury (like swimming), you have consented to and accepted those risks when signing up for that activity.
However–and this is important–if something happens despite your efforts at safety (e.g., someone gets hurt while kayaking) then he/she may have grounds for filing a lawsuit against whoever caused his/her injuries (e.g., another kayaker).
Even Shallow Waters can be Dangerous for Swimmers
Swimming is an enjoyable pastime for many people and it’s important to know the dangers of swimming. Swimmers should be aware that even shallow water can be dangerous if there are strong currents or slippery conditions that make it difficult to stay upright. Swimmers need to be extra cautious when they enter unfamiliar waters, especially if there are signs warning of strong currents nearby.
Swimming in deep water requires certain skills and training, so if you do not know how to swim well enough yet, it is best not to enter any deep bodies of water until you have completed a course on how to do so safely. You should only step into deep or shallow waters when you are well-versed with swimming. Do not risk injury or fatality if you aren’t good at swimming.
People Engaging in Aquatic Activities Should Know of the Dangers
If you are planning on swimming, know the dangers. If you have not learned how to swim and wish to do so, take lessons in your local community pool or at the YMCA. Do not drink alcohol while swimming; it can impair your ability and cause drowning accidents. Finally, if there is any doubt about your ability or knowledge of water safety rules, wear a life jacket or flotation device while engaging in aquatic activities such as boating or fishing.
Conclusion
Drowning can be very serious and life-threatening, so it’s important to know the risks before engaging in any aquatic activities. If you or someone you know has been injured in this way, contact an attorney specializing in wrongful death cases as soon as possible.
We at The Bourassa Law Group are here to manage all your legal troubles in the state of Nevada. Call us at (800)870-8910 and talk to our legal resource for directions.
1-800-870-8910