Hitting the water this summer? Remember these tips to keep yourself safe.
Teen Boy Tragically Drowns in Canyon Lake on Memorial Day
According to a KSAT News report, a teen boy has tragically drowned while swimming in Canyon Lake this Monday.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department confirmed that 18-year-old Alek Johnson drowned in Canyon Lake on Monday, May 27th. The teen reportedly went underwater near Boat Ramp 3 and never came back up. Multiple officials responded to the area and found Alek after he had been underwater for 20 minutes in roughly 8 ft of water. He was transported to the hospital, where he died of his injuries.
This is the second drowning in Canyon Lake this year after 19-year-old Roiner Alejandro Rojas Pereira drowned while tubing in April.
Did You Know?
Between 3,500 and 4,700 people drown in the United States every year.
Safety Tips for Lake Swimming/Boating in Texas
Drowning deaths are on the rise across the United States.
Lake activities are a fantastic and popular opportunity to beat the Texas heat and share valuable time with family and friends. However, if you don’t follow proper safety rules, a fun bonding time can quickly turn tragic.
Let’s take a look at safety tips for swimming and boating in lakes so that you can have fun while avoiding tragedy this summer.
Lake Swimming Safety
Swimming in a lake is very different from your backyard pool. Follow these safety tips and teach them to your kids when swimming in a lake:
- Buddy System — No one should swim alone in open water, even with a lifevest.
- Supervise Children Closely — Children drown quietly and suddenly — don’t engage in any distractions like reading or scrolling when supervising children.
- Wear a Life Jacket — Tubes and air-filled or foam toys are not sufficient safety equipment.
- Prepare for Sudden Changes — Currents, waves, sudden drop-offs, and underwater obstructions can be present in lakes.
- No Diving — Jumping from trees or rocks is especially dangerous since submerged rocks/trees are difficult to see.
Also, if you can swim in an area with a lifeguard, it is always better to do so.
Lake Boating Safety
Taking your boat out for a spin this summer? Keep these safety rules in mind:
- Don’t Drink and Boat — It is illegal to drink and drive a boat in all 50 states. Passengers should also avoid drinking as it impairs judgment and increases the risk of drowning.
- Don’t Go Alone — Bring someone with you to act as a spotter and help in case of injury.
- Equipment Check — Before you go, make sure all appropriate safety gear is on board and in good working order.
- Weather Check — Don’t get caught in bad weather. Make sure to check the forecast before you take off.
- System Check — Make sure fuel is full, lights are in good working order, and nothing is leaking.
Always check the relevant boating rules for whatever body of water you are boating on.
Have You Suffered a Drowning Injury in Texas? Call Carabin Shaw.
If you lost a loved one or suffered a drowning injury in Texas, you may be entitled to significant compensation for things like:
- Ambulance Costs,
- Medical Bills,
- Trauma/PTSD,
- Lost Work,
- Wrongful Death,
- And More.
Carabin Shaw will help you find out if your case qualifies for free.
Call Carabin Shaw at 800-862-1260 or use the live chat to schedule a free consultation with one of our drowning injury attorneys today. We look forward to serving you.
Contacting a Carabin Shaw attorney is free and does not obligate you to work with the firm.