July is here, and along with it comes the hot, humid, New Jersey summer days. While swimming and water-related activities provide a much-needed break from the heat, they also present risks of serious, even fatal, injuries. This summer, take special care to make sure you are not a victim of a drowning accident in a pool or a New Jersey waterway.

How Prevalent Are Drowning Accidents?

Most people don’t realize how frequently someone is seriously injured or killed in a drowning accident. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tell us that an average of 10 people die every day across the country in drowning accidents. Those same statistics show that another person is killed each day, on average, in a boating accident. Sadly, the victims who are most at risk for a drowning accident are children. One in every five victims of a death by drowning is a child under the age of 14. In addition, for every child under the age of 14 who dies as a result of a drowning accident, five more are hospitalized with serious injuries. Overall, more than 50 percent of all drowning accident victims require hospitalization or additional care after the initial emergency room visit as a result of the serious nature of their injuries.

What Are Some of the Common Causes of Drowning Accidents?

Anytime people are in or around water, there is a risk of injury. The human body is not built to sustain itself under water for more than a few minutes, at best. When your body starts to run short on oxygen, your organs start to become oxygen starved, which can lead to permanent damage. Drowning accidents happen for a variety of reasons, including the following:

• Lack of Swimming Skills — Many adults do not know how to swim, yet they spend a considerable amount of time near water. Children are naturally drawn to water, yet many are also unable to swim.  Statistics show that at least a basic ability to swim does reduce the risk of a drowning accident.
• Lack of Supervision — Whether at a backyard pool at a private home, a public swimming pool, or the beach, supervision is essential to prevent drowning accidents. While children should be supervised at all times, even adults should not venture into the water without another adult along in case something goes wrong. This is particularly true if you are swimming at the beach. Ocean currents can be much more powerful than people realize. Having a friend along at least gives you the security of knowing someone is there to help, or to seek help, if needed.
• Inadequate Barriers/Fencing — Owners of both public and private pools have a duty to protect people from injury. Exactly what type of barriers, fencing, or covers they are required to use depends on the type of pool and numerous other factors; however, the absence of a fence or barrier is a common reason why drowning accidents occur. This is particularly true where small children are concerned, as they often have a natural curiosity and lack of fear that provokes them to investigate a  pool if they have access.

What Should I Do If I Was Injured in a Drowning Accident or Lost a Loved One in a Drowning Accident?

If you were injured in a drowning accident, or you lost a loved one due to a fatal drowning accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries or loss. Of course, no amount of money will turn back the clock and prevent the accident from ever happening, but if someone was negligent, and that negligence led to your injuries or loss, then they should be held responsible. Numerous people or entities could be held responsible in a drowning accident, depending on the location of the body of water. A private land owner, public pool, private country club, or governmental entity are all possible sources of compensation in a drowning accident lawsuit.

The only way to determine who is liable for your personal injury is to seek the advice of an experienced New Jersey accident attorney. The NY / NJ accident lawyers at Ginarte Gonzalez Winograd L.L.P., have both the experience and the resources to properly investigate your accident.

With seven offices conveniently located in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area, we have an office near you. Contact the firm today by calling 1-888-446-2783 for your free consultation, or fill out our online contact form.