Maryland?s tally of drowning deaths rose to a total of 16 since early June, as two more people were added to the growing list Thursday.
Since June, 15 males and one female have drowned in Maryland?s rivers, creeks, ocean, pools, reservoirs and a dam.
The sum isnearly one third of last year?s total drowning deaths.
“It does seem high. You wouldn?t expect so many of our annual drownings to occur in a one-month period,” said Bill Crews, spokesman for the National Center for Health Statistics
The recent torrential rainfall contributed to the large number of drownings, Crews said.
Justin Smith and Adam Klank were swimming illegally in surging waters when they died Thursday at Prettyboy Reservoir. Three others who recently drowned also were swimming in restricted areas.
“It is important not to swim in prohibited areas. There is a reason they are marked that way,” said Dave Treadway, an Army Corps of Engineer water safety expert.
Anyone who is in, on, or near water should wear a life jacket ? even if they do not plan to go into the water, Treadway said.
“It?s like a seat belt,” Treadway said. “You can?t put it on when you expect to have an accident.”
Accidental drowning deaths in Maryland
» 2000: 34
» 2001: 50
» 2002: 42
» 2003: 64
» 2004: 49
Information from 2005 and 2006 is not available.
Source: Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Annual Vital Statistics Reports
