MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) - After three reported drownings in Mobile and Baldwin counties in the past 30 days,
officials are warning swimmers to be aware of the dangers of drownings. Even with a lifeguard on duty, drownings are usually a silent struggle.
"The most cases are if kids drown then it's a silent drowning meaning they just go under and they are not able to pull themselves back up," said Emily Burnett, the head lifeguard at Amberly Swim Club.
Research shows each year 390 children die in accidental drownings. Warning signs include a victim having mouth at water level, glassy or empty eyes with their head tilted back. The common misconception when it comes to drownings, Burnett said, is people expect the victim to scream and splash.
"For them to go under and to not come back, I mean it's going to be quick, it means they went under and all of sudden they're staying under," she said.
In order to prevent drownings this summer, Burnett urges parents to teach kids at an early age how to swim and watch closely, a real child in danger of drownings is often silent and can slip under within seconds.
