OHP Sees Increase In Drownings This Year

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) said they have seen an increase in drownings this year. 

The comments from OHP come after two drownings at Lake Murray in southern Oklahoma and the death of a four-year-old girl who went into the Arkansas River near Tulsa.

Nearly 10 kids under the age of five drown each year, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, 

“When more people are out, those dangerous numbers go up. So, we are seeing that higher than normal and really, it just comes down to, when you sit back and look at it, they’re very common-sense things”, said OHP Trooper Eric Foster.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended following the drowning prevention safety tips for both adults and children. The CDC recommended lifejackets, learning basic swimming skills and avoiding alcohol. 

Enclosure around the pool or property is also a safety net that may help keep children from wandering into the water.

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