Introduction
The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in the United States and the fourth-longest river in the world. It runs through 10 states, but the majority of the deaths occur in Illinois, where the river is widest at 2.5 miles and deepest at 60 feet. Every year, hundreds of people drown in the Mississippi River: some because of accidents, some because of suicide, and others for unknown reasons. The causes of death in the Mississippi River range from accidental drowning to intentional suicide. This article is intended to educate and inform readers about how many deaths take place in the Mississippi River and explore the root causes that lead to theses tragic losses.
Historical Data
Reports from the Centers for Disease Control suggest that the number of water-related deaths has decreased in the last 10 years. In 2009, there were approximately 84 unintentional drownings in the Mississippi River, compared to just 65 in 2019. However, the number of people dying by suicide appears to have remained steady at around 20 per year. While the CDC’s reports suggest deaths in the Mississippi River have decreased overall, there are still too many people dying in the river every year.
Root Causes
The Mississippi River has long been a symbol of death and tragedy, but the causes of deaths in the Mississippi River are complex and multifaceted. One of the primary causes of death is accidental drowning due to the strong currents and treacherous rapids, which can make it difficult for unsuspecting swimmers to stay afloat. Poor dive training and/or lack of floatation devices can also lead to drowning. In addition, many people die by suicide in the Mississippi River, as the dark and murky waters provide temporary solace from life’s woes.
Rescue and Recovery
Authorities and rescue personnel have been doing their best to curb the death toll in the Mississippi River by introducing safety laws, educational campaigns, and search and rescue missions. Many cities along the river have increased their search and rescue resources, including boats, divers, helicopters, and sonar equipment. The latest efforts have been successful in reducing the number of deaths in the Mississippi River by 25%, according to the CDC reports mentioned above.
Education
Education and awareness are key to reducing deaths in the Mississippi River. The presence of powerful currents can be a deadly combination for swimmers and other river users. That is why experts recommend that people never swim in the Mississippi River, even if it looks inviting. Additionally, educational campaigns have been put in place to teach people the importance of wearing floatation devices when boating in the river and the actions to take when someone goes missing.
Prevention
With strong currents and deep waters, there is very little one can do to prevent every tragedy in the Mississippi River. However, there are a few steps people can take to increase safety on the river. Families and recreational groups can research the river and its conditions before embarking on a trip. Knowing the kind of terrain and water they will be dealing with can help them prepare for any possible risks or emergencies. Additionally, people should be sure to always wear floatation devices when boating and make sure that everyone in the group is wearing one.
Mental Health
Despite the recent efforts to reduce the number of deaths in the Mississippi River, one of the biggest contributors to deaths in the river still remains suicide. The pressure and stress of life’s struggles can sometimes lead people to take their own lives, and the Mississippi River can offer a means of relief. That is why it is essential to raise awareness about mental health and provide people with proper resources so they can seek help before it is too late.
Conclusion
The death toll in the Mississippi River is still far too high, but there are steps that can be taken to reduce the number of fatalities. Increased search and rescue resources, educational campaigns, and mental health awareness can help lower the number of deaths in the Mississippi River. However, the bottom line is that the Mississippi River is a dangerous river and should not be taken lightly.
