Q & A with the Experts: Drowning prevention

Each year, approximately 50 people drown in the Great Lakes due to waves and currents. National Drowning Prevention Week and World Drowning Prevention Day raise awareness about safety risks in and around water, and share actions that people can take to stay safe. Dr. Chris Houser, Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Waterloo, studies Canada’s coastlines and contributes to efforts to reduce the incidence of drowning and emergency rescues. 

What are the leading causes of drowning in the Great Lakes? Important contributing factors in the Great Lakes include breaking waves and dangerous currents, sudden drop-offs, cold water, fatigue, limited swimming ability, alcohol use, inadequate supervision and failure to wear a lifejacket while boating or paddling. Piers, breakwalls, river mouths and other structures can create especially dangerous currents.

What are the dangerous conditions in the Great Lakes?
The waves are closely spaced and can repeatedly strike a swimmer, providing little time to recover and exhausting even a capable swimmer. Rip currents form when waves push water toward the shore and that accumulated water flows back toward deeper water through a narrow channel.

How do rip currents cause drowning?
A rip current carries the swimmer away from shore. The danger begins when a person panics and tries to swim directly against the current. Even strong swimmers can become exhausted. The current can also move someone suddenly into deeper water. People sometimes choose the calm-looking gap between breaking waves because it appears safer, but it may be where water is flowing most strongly away from shore.

What do you do if you are caught in a rip current?
The simple message is flip, float and follow. Flip or lean back and float. Follow the current temporarily rather than fighting it. Most rip currents weaken beyond the breaking waves or as they spread out. Swim across the current, generally parallel to the shoreline, when you can do so. If you cannot escape, continue floating or treading water and wave an arm or call for help.

What else can people do to prevent drowning?
Check the beach and marine forecast before leaving home and again on site. Swim at a lifeguarded beach and within the designated swimming area. Stay out of the water when waves are high or a red flag is flying. Avoid swimming beside piers, breakwalls and river outlets. Never swim alone. Keep children within arm’s reach and designate an undistracted adult watcher. Wear a properly fitted lifejacket while boating, paddling or fishing, and whenever swimming ability or conditions are uncertain. Avoid alcohol and cannabis before or during aquatic activities. Learn CPR and basic rescue techniques that do not require entering the water.

(Banner image: Getty Images/Benedek)