Dangers of Lake Swimming

A day at the lake might be a fun and relaxing summer activity, but it can also be dangerous if safety measures aren’t taken. Today, I read an article that is a tragic reminder of how dangerous lake swimming can be.

A Kansas City community mourns the death of a 16-year-old teen that drowned Saturday while swimming in a lake. The young man was swimming from the dock to a friend in the middle of a cove when he suddenly slipped under water. Friends and rescue workers are not sure what went wrong, but said the area was 15 to 20 feet deep.

Authorities said that although the teens were not residents of the private lake, it is a safe place to swim. Neighbors added that the water can be choppier than most people think and the distance from shore to cove can appear shorter.

Although lake swimming is fun especially when boating and picnicking, extra care must be taken. When at the lake, ensure your safety and that of your loved ones by swimming in designated areas only as these areas are

• monitored with lifeguards.
• more shallow.
• designated as the safest area for swimming.
• free from boaters, water skiers, and other recreational vehicles.
• cleared of brush which can trap swimmers and debris such as jagged rocks, broken glass.
• free from sudden drop-offs into deep waters.

If there is no designated swimming area, do not second guess it. There are probably good reasons swimming is not allowed. Currents in lakes can be powerful and unexpected.

Swimming is a lot of fun, but drowning can happen fast — sometimes in less than 2 minutes after a person's head goes under the water. That leaves very little time for someone to help. Know your limits, never swim alone, and be aware of everyone in your group. Knowing where swimmers are at all times can save a life if the person gets in trouble.

Mark Bello has thirty-six years experience as a trial lawyer and fourteen years as an underwriter and situational analyst in the lawsuit funding industry. He is the owner and founder of Lawsuit Financial Corporation which helps provide cash flow solutions and consulting when necessities of life litigation funding is needed by a plaintiff involved in pending, personal injury, litigation. Bello is a Justice Pac member of the American Association for Justice, Sustaining and Justice Pac member of the Michigan Association for Justice, Member of Public Justice, Public Citizen, the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan and the Injury Board.