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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates approximately 4,000 people die every year in drowning accidents. Another 8,000 individuals each year are hurt in nonfatal drownings, and for children ages one to four, accidental drownings represent the single greatest cause of death.

What makes unintentional drowning accidents particularly tragic is that many of them can be prevented. Whether you own a pool or plan on visiting your local community swimming pool this summer, it is crucial to understand more about these accidents and what you can do to avoid them in Atlanta.

What Happens in an Atlanta Drowning Accident?

Not every drowning accident is fatal. About twice as many individuals survive their drowning accidents as are killed in them. However, just because a near-drowning victim escapes with their life does not mean that they escape with no injuries.

Some people can be left with permanently disabling consequences as a result of nearly drowning. During a drowning, a victim ingests large quantities of water that make it impossible for their body to bring in sufficient oxygen. Starved for oxygen, the victim’s organs can die unless oxygen flow is restored promptly.

One of the greatest dangers in a near-drowning accident is brain damage. Serious — and sometimes permanent — damage to a person’s brain can result from oxygen deprivation in as little as a few minutes. The longer a person’s brain is deprived of oxygen, the more severe the consequences may be.

Some of the results of brain damage from near-drowning might include:

• Chronic headaches
• Dizziness and trouble balancing
• Memory difficulties
• Changes in mood and behavior
• Difficulties with reason, concentration, and communication
• Seizures

There can also be injuries to other organs like the lungs. For example, near-drowning victims should be monitored for pneumonia, a potentially serious illness that needs medical treatment.

Pool Safety Tips You Need to Know in Atlanta

The consequences of a drowning accident in Atlanta can be serious, but an ounce of prevention can help you avoid this tragedy. A few simple tips that can keep you and your family safe around any body of water include:

Do Not Mix Alcohol or Drugs With Swimming

Avoid consuming alcohol or drugs while boating, swimming, or spending time around water. These substances can dull your senses and impair your judgment, making it more likely that you will not be able to react appropriately to save yourself if you unexpectedly fall in.

Take Swimming Lessons

If you plan to go around pools, lakes, or other bodies of water regularly, consider taking a course and learning how to swim properly. In just a few lessons, you or your child can develop much-needed confidence and skill in the water.

Knowing how to swim can prove life-saving in the event that you or your child unexpectedly fall into a pool or overboard while boating.

Wear a Life Vest

Personal floatation devices like life vests are essential if you plan to go boating this summer. No matter the type of boat you use, you can unexpectedly fall overboard without warning. When this happens, a life vest can not only keep your head above water until help arrives, but it can also make it easier for rescuers to spot you.

Build a Fence With a Locked Gate

If you own a permanent pool of any size — whether in-ground or above-ground — a fence with a locked gate is vital. While a fence will not stop all intruders from entering your pool without permission and endangering themselves, it can prevent vulnerable children from gaining access to the pool when adults are not around.

Avoid Allowing Children to Swim Unsupervised

No matter the size of your pool, it’s important not to leave it unattended if you have children who will be using it — even if your pool is a kiddie or wading pool.

Drownings and near-drownings can happen in just a few inches of water, so it is critical to avoid leaving even a small, temporary pool filled with water if you cannot be present to watch any children nearby.

How a Drowning Lawyer in Atlanta Can Help

If you or a loved one has been injured in a drowning accident in Atlanta, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your harm under Georgia law. A skilled drowning lawyer can fight for that right on your behalf.

But you don’t have to spend time searching “negligent drowning lawyer Atlanta.” Instead, turn to the seasoned team at Seay/Felton LLC Trial Attorneys. With over 50 years of combined experience, we have a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes for our clients, and our “No Fee Guarantee” means that you owe us nothing if we don’t win.

Contact us to schedule your consultation today.