High Drowning Rates in Oakland County Leave Officials Baffled
Oakland County has faced an unusually steep number of drowning incidents this year, leaving local authorities both concerned and confused.
The sheriff’s office is urging everyone to exercise great caution while having fun near the region’s lakes and rivers. This request comes in the wake of an alarming 11 drowning cases that happened this summer. Oddly, there are no clear reasons behind these incidents. Last year, the county only recorded four drowning cases.
“This season has seen a lot more misfortunes, and many of them are not tied to alcohol or other substances. This is quite abnormal,” reports the local sheriff.
Despite this, not all the water users have been responsible. One victim even shares a personal encounter. A boozy jet ski rider knocked him off his jet ski. Now he takes extra precautions while enjoying the end of the summer on Cass Lake.
In comparison, drowning cases in the Great Lakes have been slightly lower this year. A regional organization tracking drowning cases reports 77 cases this year, eight fewer compared to last year. But, there’s still a chance for the number to rise as the year isn’t over yet.
One of the major issues with water safety and drowning is that people often fail to notice when someone is struggling in the water. They silently vanish under the water without getting a chance to call for help.
The sheriff’s marine unit usually checks for potential safety violations and provides people with water safety advice.
As for this high number of drownings, the Sheriff points the hot summer weather being a push factor for more people to get into the water. This could lead to individuals, especially unskilled swimmers, ignoring general safety rules.
Alarmingly, many youngsters in the Metro Detroit area don’t have access to swimming lessons. Considering Michigan’s abundance of inland water bodies, knowing how to swim and being comfortable in water is crucial.
The Huron-Clinton Metroparks have started offering more free swim classes for both children and adults to improve water proficiency. Plus, a Michigan state representative is proposing a bill to include basic water safety courses in schools.
“With over 11,000 inland lakes in Michigan, plus the Great Lakes, it’s essential for our kids to know swimming,” the representative argues.
Barriers such as access to a pool, cost of classes and past experiences like near-drownings prevent many from learning how to swim. However, in a state like Michigan surrounded by lakes, being comfortable in the water can potentially save lives.
The bottom line
The rising number of drownings in Oakland County is indeed concerning. Increasing awareness about water safety and encouraging swimming lessons can go a long way in reducing these unfortunate occurrences.
