April 25, 2003

La Marque – Sunshine and water is a recipe for summer fun in Galveston County. Those same ingredients can be a recipe for disaster when they lead to a drowning. With Memorial Day right around the corner, the Galveston County Health District would like to remind residents that water recreation can be deadly if the rules of water safety are forgotten.

Chuck Chambers, District Epidemiologist, annually compiles statistics on the number of drownings and near-drownings in Galveston County. For the year 2002 there were reports of 16 drownings and 44 near-drownings which occurred in the county. The number of drownings was similar to that of recent years, but the reported near-drownings were more numerous than in any other year since reporting of these events began in 1995.

Open water, such as the Gulf of Mexico, can quickly become deadly for a swimmer who gets tired or for a boater who capsizes. Consider these statistics:

• In 2002 male victims (41) outnumbered female (19) by a substantial margin;
• Among the 16 drownings there was only one female;
• Adolescents (age 10-19) were most likely to be victims in 2002, but drownings were also concentrated in age groups 30-39 and over 50;
• 83% of the Galveston County incidents reported in 2002 occurred in the City of Galveston;
• 53% of these incidents occurred at local beaches; and
• May was the most dangerous month, as it has been in past years.

“Drowning is a terrible incident that can be prevented,” said Mark Guidry M.D., MPH, Executive Director of the Galveston County Health District. “When family and friends are enjoying the beaches, remember to talk to each other about safety in and around the water. By simply observing some simple precautions we- as a community- can reduce the risk of drowning.”>

While enjoying the beach, one of the greatest drowning prevention tips would be to always swim in an area with a lifeguard tower present, especially if you are not a strong swimmer. Of the reported incidents in Galveston County last year, 4 occurred in areas guarded by lifeguards and none of the victims drowned in these incidents.

Other suggestions to ensure a safe and fun day in the water include:

• Stay sober when in the water;
• Wear a life jacket;
• Learn how to swim;
• Always have adult supervision when children are in the water;
• Know your limits – swimming in open water is more difficult than swimming in a pool and people tire more quickly and can get into trouble;
• Avoid rip currents by staying away from rock jetties and piers;
• Do not dive in head first; and
• Always obey all warning signs and flags.

For more beach safety information visit the local Beach Patrols web site at www.galvestonbeachpatrol.com.

For More Information Contact:
Kurt Koopmann
Public Information Officer
Galveston County Health District
(409) 938-2211
kkoopman@gchd.org