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Unsurprisingly, Oregon is among the Top 10 states with the most drownings in natural settings, as Beaver State is renowned for its rugged terrain with rivers, lakes, and miles of Pacific Ocean coastline.
A study by the Whitley Law Firm reveals that natural swimming areas pose the biggest threat of drowning.
249 Drownings in the Beaver State
Oregon is ranked fourth with the highest number of deaths by drowning per capita in natural settings across 50 U.S. states. According to statistics, Oregon has 249 drownings at a rate of 9.05 per 100,000 residents.
The Beaver State is a natural drawcard for lovers of water sports and swimming. Diverse natural swimming areas include the ever-popular Loon Lake with its sandy beach and clear, warm, water.
Popular swimming rivers are the Willamette and Columbia but there are no lifeguards at the Willamette, and Columbia is known to have unsafe levels of bacteria.
Other popular spots are the lower sections of coastal rivers and creeks like the Elk, Chetco, and Sandy Rivers.
Also popular is the McKenzie River which flows from Clear Lake, creating several swimming holes and pools.
Sunset Bay is the most popular beach on the Oregon coastline for swimming.
The Top 10 Rankings
Topping the list with the most drownings per capita is Hawaii. Although the state registered fewer drownings than Oregon, at 195, the population is smaller, at 8.5 million compared to Oregon’s 25.4 million.
Second is Oklahoma with 245 deaths at 9.65, third is Arkansas 180 at 9.47, and third is Arkansas with 180 drownings at 9.47 deaths per 100,000 people.
Topping the list with the most drownings per capita is Hawaii. Although the state registered fewer drownings than Oregon, at 195, the population is smaller, at 8.5 million compared to Oregon’s 25.4 million.
Second is Oklahoma with 245 deaths at 9.65, third Arkansas 180 at 9.47, third is Arkansas with 180 drownings at 9.47 deaths per 100,000 people.
Following Oregon, from fifth to 10th position, is Florida with a high drowning statistic of 1,120 lives lost at 8.82, Montana 53 drownings at 8.11, Washington 369 deaths at 7.26, Mississippi 161 at 7.23, Louisiana 228 at 6.97, and South Carolina 223 at 6.28.
Researchers say that boosting public awareness about the dangers related to different natural swimming areas is key to saving lives.
Not knowing how to swim is the most common cause of drowning and the study suggests that people should be encouraged to take lessons.
Not wearing life jackets is the primary cause of fatalities in Oregon boating accidents. Here again, researchers say that the consistent use of life jackets can save lives.
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