Lakes, followed by rivers, are the aquatic settings where the
largest number of drownings occur for the over 50 crowd. Bathtubs,
private pools and hot tubs also come into play with older
victims. Seniors 65 and over account for: half of all
bathtub deaths; one-quarter of all backyard pool deaths; and
half of all hot tub deaths.
The potential for increased drowning among older adults and
seniors will continue as more "baby boomers" move into their senior
years while retaining the high risk behaviours of their younger
years, despite reduced physical capabilities. Certain medical
conditions and medications may affect one's physical ability or
mental capacity. The "older-not-wiser" members of this group may be
reticent to admit their vulnerabilities or to avoid risky
behaviour. The "older-and-wiser" men may be more receptive to
safety advice now than when they were younger.
In this older lifestage, there is a shift toward more fatalities
during near-water activities and boating, with less in-water
recreational activity involvement. Fishing, powerboating and
bathing are most prevalent, followed by swimming and walking near
water.
Key risk factors among older adults and seniors
include:
- Most older victims in boating and other relevant situations
are not wearing a lifejacket or personal flotation device
(PFD) properly.
- Two-thirds of victims in this lifestage were alone when their
fatal incident occurred, including bathing alone and boating
alone.
- Heart disease and heart attacks have emerged as a key physical
factor increasing the risk of aquatic emergencies among older
victims.
- Being out in cold water situations and/or after dark.
Drowning prevention tips
To date, the focus for reducing drowning among older adults and
seniors has been to work to create safer attitudes and behaviours
earlier in life that they will carry with them as they age into
this life stage. Additional strategies that are especially relevant
for this older life stage include:
- Boat with a buddy, never alone.
- Take care getting in and out of bathtubs. Install grab-bars
designed for weight-bearing to aid entry, exit and movement in your
bathtub. Have someone close enough to hear you and respond, should
you have a problem.
- Be realistic about encroaching health limitations. Know your
heart health through regular check-ups and don't "push the
envelope" any more on, in or near the water, than you would at
home.
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- As you become more sensitive and less resistant to cold as you
get older, take precautions to avoid exposure to the effects of
cold water and hypothermia. Start by always wearing your lifejacket
or PFD and by avoiding high risk cold water situations - especially
not by yourself or after dark.
- Clear, hard, new ice is the only kind of ice recommended for
travel. Avoid slushy ice, ice on moving water (rivers, currents),
or ice that has thawed and refrozen. Wear a thermal protection
buoyant suit to increase your chance of survival if you go
through.