Drowning is the third-leading cause of accidental death worldwide, and approximately 236,000 people drown every year.
What Causes Drowning?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), certain factors make drowning more likely. These factors include:
- Location – bathtubs, home swimming pools, and natural waters are all linked to drownings. Many people underestimate the risk of these locations, especially if the property manager does not alert visitors to potential hazards.
- Missing or ineffective barriers – an effective fence reduces a child’s risk of drowning by 83%. Failure to secure a home swimming pool or another body of water could lead to a drowning death.
- Lack of close supervision – drowning can occur even when lifeguards are present. Children require close supervision whenever they are around water. A young child can even drown in an unattended bucket.
In many cases, drowning accidents can be prevented with simple warnings or precautions. If the party in charge of a body of water fails to issue these warnings or take these precautions, their behavior may be negligent.


