Swimming in lakes and rivers is a common summer pastime in Missouri, Illinois and throughout the Midwest. Many people enjoy boating and tubing on Lake of the Ozarks, Table Rock Lake, Carlyle Lake, and many others over long weekend trips. While these activities are a great way to beat the heat, water safety is important to prevent lake drownings and accidental deaths among children and adults.
Lake Drowning Statistics to Note
Drowning related injuries may occur while doing a fun activity such as tubing, diving into a public pool, swimming in busy lakes and additional water experiences. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is a leading cause of death for children. Every year in the United States, there are an estimated 4,000 fatal drownings and 8,000 nonfatal drownings, which can still cause long-term health problems like brain damage. In Missouri, from 2016 through 2020, there were 1.27 drowning deaths per 100,000 people.
5 Tips for Safe Swimming
While young children are at the greatest risk, adults can also be in danger of drowning. Below are 5 tips to stay safe when swimming in lakes and rivers in Illinois and Missouri.
1. Learn basic swimming and water safety skills. Formal swimming lessons will help a person feel more comfortable in the water. Knowing how to dive and when not to dive are also important water safety skills. For example, you should always enter the water feet first to prevent a serious spinal cord injury from unseen debris in Illinois and Missouri lakes or shallow waters.
2. Understand the body of water where you are swimming. Avoid swimming in lakes or rivers unless you are familiar with its conditions. Many people enjoy swimming and floating on the Meramec River, Black River, Current River and Niangua River. Some rivers have strong currents and underwater debris that may cause a person to get submerged. Additionally, lakes can pose danger if you are swimming in open water near other boats or rocky areas.
3. Never swim alone. Drowning can happen quickly and without warning. By swimming with a partner, you reduce your chances of drowning.
4. Always wear a life jacket. Whether you are on a speed boat, fishing in a canoe, or floating on a tube — it is always safest to wear a fitted life jacket to prevent drowning. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 85% of people in boat-related drownings were not wearing life jackets in 2022. Illinois and Missouri law requires all water vessels to have a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket on board and accessible for each occupant of your boat. Additionally, children under the age of seven in Missouri are required to wear a life jacket wherever they are on a boat unless they are in a cabin area of a houseboat or cruiser. In Illinois, children below the age of 13 must wear a life jacket. Failing to do so may result in fines from either state patrol.
5. Do not drink alcohol when swimming. Alcohol impairs a person’s balance, coordination, and judgment. It also increases risk-taking behavior like cliff jumping or diving off the side of a boat. Alcohol use is involved in up to 70% of water recreation deaths like boating or swimming. Make sure to swim safely and do not operate a water vessel if you are under the influence while swimming in local lakes and rivers.
Stay Safe on the Water this Summer!
At MHM, we strive to provide information that will help you and your family stay safe on the road, water and backyard all-year round. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury or loss of life due to river or lake drownings, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our experienced lawyers for a no-fee consultation.