DROWNING ACCIDENT ON A CRUISE SHIP

Drowning accidents happen quickly. Even if the person is saved, their life may be permanently impacted.  The maritime accident attorneys of Madalon Law help victims of drowning accidents involving Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and more.

One type of accident that can occur on a cruise ship is drowning or near-drowning.  Despite the fact that drowning is very preventable, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 10 people die from drowning each day.  Even though, there are ways to avoid becoming a victim.  It is important to know the risk factors involved in drownings.

Drownings can happen in a pool, in the ocean, in a lake, or even in a hot tub.  Most often, lack of proper supervision or a lifeguard is a contributing factor in a drowning.

DROWNING DEATHS AND NEAR-DROWNING ACCIDENTS ON CRUISE SHIPS

Several people every year fall victim to drowning or near drowning on a cruise ship.  Many of these victims are children.  Some of these incidents end up being covered on the news, however many incidents are not reported.

Drownings and near-drownings often go unreported because cruise lines fear being held liable.  Cruise lines are responsible for providing a safe environment for their crew and passengers.  This means that they must make sure that they have the proper security personnel on board.   Lifeguards can be very beneficial in preventing drowning. 

Many cruise lines do not employ lifeguards on their ships and others are just now beginning to employ lifeguards.  Instead, the cruise lines would post signs that read “Swim at your Own Risk.”  However, lifeguards are trained to assess the situations and help prevent potentially dangerous situations.

RECENT DROWNING  AND NEAR-DROWNING ACCIDENTS INVOLVING CRUISE SHIPS

  • A 41-year-old man drowning in a hot tub aboard the Carnival Dream
  • A 4-year-old boy nearly drowning in the Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Sea kids pool
  • 10-year-old drowning in the pool aboard the Norwegian Gem.
  • A 4-year-old boy nearly drowning in a pool aboard the Disney Fantasy

CRUISE SHIPS AND DROWNING ACCIDENTS

Anywhere there is water, a drowning can occur.  It only takes a moment for a person to drown, so proper supervision is vital to prevent drowning.  A drowning can occur with people of any age and any level of experience with swimming. All persons, even adults, should be supervised when in the water.

The following are some statistics about drowning:

·       The most likely people to experience drowning accidents are children ages one to four.

·       It only takes an average of three minutes to die from drowning.

·       The brain will fail after about four minutes submerged under water.

·       Even if death does not occur, a victim can still incur a variety of injuries, including scarring of their lungs and esophagus.  Permanent brain damage is also a possibility.

·       According to The World Health Organization (WHO) there are approximately 388,000 people who die from drowning every year.

 SPEAK TO A CRUISE SHIP DROWNING ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

If someone you know or love has been the victim of drowning or near-drowning due to the lack of proper supervision, you may be able to file a claim for that incident.  The maritime accident attorneys of Madalon Law can advise you about your rights.

Our accident attorneys handle cases involving drownings on Carnival Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruises and Royal Caribbean.