The Mississippi River is one of the longest rivers in the United States, meandering more than 2,300 miles through several states, ultimately emptying its waters into the Gulf of Mexico. While this massive river provides a great economic resource for those who rely on its waters for commerce, energy, and recreation, it also carries with it both danger and sorrow in the form of hundreds of people who have supposedly drowned in its treacherous waters. A precise count is hard to come by, but data shows that the Mississippi’s waters indeed carry a hidden toll.
The most reliable data available is from 2015 when the National Weather Service’s Ohio River Forecast Centre recorded 672 instances of “incident-related” drownings in U.S. rivers and streams. Of that figure, 109 of those unfortunate fatalities occurred in rivers located in what the public May refer to as the “Mississippi River System,” which includes streams and tributaries that feed into the Mississippi. The report does not break down the drownings into individual rivers, however, making it impossible to determine the exact number of those who have perished in the Mississippi.
The Louisiana Office of Public Health includes deaths that occurred in the Mississippi River among its statistics for drowning incidents for the State, but does not provide specifics about what bodies of water those deaths have occurred in or any other explanation of their methodology. Since there are numerous other bodies of water in the State records should be used in conjunction with other reliable sources when trying to determine an exact count.
The U.S. Coast Guard records an average of 3 drownings per state per year in the Mississippi, while the National Water Safety Program, a non-profit designed to help prevent drowning fatalities, estimates the number is closer to 10 per year. Though both of these figures are significantly lower than the National Weather Service’s reported figure of 109, the overall picture remains vague and further research, including conversations with individuals whose families may have experienced such a tragedy, is somewhat challenging.
Public health expert Dr. David Houston from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains – “it is impossible to gain a precise count for drownings as water-related deaths can be caused by any number of underlying medical or physiological conditions. Furthermore, many drownings are not reported or even recognized at all, making it impossible for any agency to accurately estimate the total number of lives lost.”
It’s clear from these various figures that the Mississippi River certainly plays a role in these water deaths and the exact number remains unknown. Whatever the exact number though, it is clear that the Mississippi River is a major contributor to water-related fatalities and more needs to be done to understand why people are dying and how to prevent future drownings.
Incidence of Drownings Among Mississippi River Swimmers
The Mississippi River contains an abundance of flora and fauna, coupled with incredible scenery along its banks. This makes it an attractive spot for those who engage in recreational activities such as swimming, however, with the mighty river’s strong currents and deep waters, these activities can be risky.
Studies have found that the most frequent cause of drowning in the Mississippi River is due to swimming without a life jacket. In Arkansas, for example, 22 out of 23 drownings between 2010 and 2012 occurred in people who did not wear a life jacket. This is a clear indication that life jackets are essential safety equipment for those who choose to swim in the river.
The presence of high concentrations of pollutants, vehicle disruptions from ships, and submerged hazards make entering the Mississippi River a hazardous proposition. What’s more, strong currents can obstruct a swimmer’s ability to sense direction and rise to the surface.According to Arkansas Waterproofing, an organization devoted to improving water safety education, these facts illustrate the importance of wearing a life vest while swimming in rivers, as well as the importance of accessing safety training prior to swimming in any rivers.
Additionally, there is the danger of hypothermia, as cold water quickly cools the body and can lead to unconsciousness in a very short time since it is so vast, fast and deep. Hypothermia is made more dangerous by the possibility in the Mississippi of encountering debris, hidden objects and the swift current, making the situation even more challenging.
Wearing Life Jackets in the Mississippi
Most states require children to wear flotation devices when on or around the water, as well as laws that require all recreational motorboats, canoes and kayaks to have at least one flotation device for each person onboard.
The State of Missouri, for example, mandates that all children riding on kayaks, paddleboards, and paddleboats must wear life jackets regardless of the conditions or presence of an adult. This is an effort to prevent the tragedy of drowning, created after 6 year old Ziyon Griffin tragically drowned in 2016 while visiting the Mississippi River with his mother.
Still, some people choose to ignore the warnings and remain unprepared when going into the water. This can be catastrophic as even strong and experienced swimmers can experience difficulty in the powerful and ever-changing Mississippi River.
It is absolutely essential for those visiting the Mississippi River for recreational activities to wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life vest. Furthermore, many states require that vessels operating on the Mississippi and its tributaries are required to carry at least one wearable flotation device per person aboard the vessel, as well as a throwable device such as a ring buoy.
Education & Awareness
It is essential for the general public to be aware of the risks and the information available on how to stay safe when visiting areas with large bodies of water. The Mississippi River is incredibly wide and powerful and, as such, any activity near the river should be considered as potentially dangerous.
States such as Arkansas, where the Griffin family experienced tragedy, have implemented programs and initiatives to help raise public awareness about the dangers of the Mississippi, and encourage young people to learn water safety. Additionally, the SAFE (Swim Safe Arkansas Families Education) program, implemented by the Arkansas Waterproofing organization, is devoted to providing water-safety education for families, as well as offering swimming lessons, so families can learn about water safety in a fun and interactive way.
It is clear from available resources, reports and a wealth of research, that the Mississippi River can be a treacherous body of water if not monitored or explored properly. The exact number of drownings in the Mississippi may be unknown, but by following the information and guidelines provided by experts, those visiting the Mississippi River can enjoy its waters safely.
Prevention of Drownings
The Mississippi River presents an inherent risk of potential drownings due to its vastness, deep waters and powerful currents yet there are many ways visitors can keep safe while enjoying its waters. Experts recommend people only swim when supervised by a lifeguard, as well as wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved life vest and avoiding overcrowding at the beach. Additionally, being aware of the rip currents that could be present and ensuring children are in shallow waters is also important.
Also, the Mississippi is home for a wide range of wildlife, many of which may pose a threat to visitors. Therefore, it’s important to respect their habitats and view from a distance, as their presence may alter a person’s desire to engage in activities in the water.In addition, the presence of debris may also be dangerous, as its full scale is only visible when one is in the water. Therefore, it is advised to take a look around for anything suspicious and to respect the quickness and power of the waters.
It is true that the exact number of instances of drowning occurring in the Mississippi River may remain unknown, however, by understanding the dangers and following safety protocols, those who visit the Mississippi can play a role in its preservation and enjoy its recreational offerings in complete safety.
The Impact of Other Factors on Mississippi River Safety
In addition to swimming and recreational activities, other factors such as poor visibility, low light, hazardous weather, and strong currents can contribute to the dangers posed by the river. The effects of these elements can be significant and need to be addressed in order to improve safety. For example, flooding due to heavy rain can produce strong and damaging currents that can be hazardous for those in or around the water. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the weather and to ensure people are well-prepared for any unexpected changes that could occur.
Furthermore, Mississippi is home to a variety of species of fish, turtles, and other aquatic creatures that could unsuspecting swimmers. The presence of such creatures may add an element of unpredictability and surprise, increasing the chances of dangerous incidents occurring. Once again, it is essential to understand the risks and be prepared prior to engaging in and water-based activities in any body of water.
Additionally, drowning can also be caused by collisions with boats, vessels and the like, due to their large size and potentially high speeds. This makes paying attention to the other vessels and boats in the waters is essential, as well as adhering to regulations related to speed, location and size of the boat.
These are just some of the factors that come into play when considering water safety and while the Mississippi River presents an array of enjoyment, it is essential to remain aware of the risks that come with it. Therefore, exercising caution when enjoying the rivers waters and being informed are the keys to safety and a worry-free trip.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River undoubtedly plays a major role in water-related fatalities and, unfortunately, determining the exact number of those who have perished in its waters is impossible. However, by understanding the dangers and following safety protocols, those who visit the Mississippi River can be assured of a safe and enjoyable experience. With further awareness and the continued provision of safety education and the supply of life vests and the like, it is possible to reduce the risk of people losing their lives due to preventable accident-related drownings.
