Authorities identify the body of a seventeen year old drowning victim from a Georgia reservoir.

A seventeen year old victim who drowned in Hickory Log Creek Reservoir, a private Georgia pond, was identified earlier this week. According to authorities, the boy had been fishing on a bank along the reservoir with his friends. He fell into the reservoir sometime between 1:45 and 5 p.m. Reports indicate that the victim’s friend jumped into the water to try and save him, but was unsuccessful in locating the victim. The friend swam 30 feet back to shore in order to inform authorities of the drowning accident.

Numerous law enforcement agencies coordinated an exhaustive search for the victim including: the Canton Police Department, Canton Fire Department, Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services as well as, Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The victim’s body was identified by a Cherokee County Dive Team earlier this week. An autopsy of his body will be conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Medical Examiner’s Office.

Drowning is the fifth leading cause of accidental deaths, second leading cause amongst children.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the second leading cause of deaths resulting from unintentional injury in children between the ages of 1 and 14. Drowning is also the fifth leading cause of deaths resulting from unintentional injury for people of all ages.

Approximately half of all drownings occur in natural waters. These bodies of water include: lakes, rivers, and oceans. Most accidental drownings occur while individuals are engaging in recreational water activities such as, water sports. Accidental drownings also occur while individuals are engaging in boating or swimming activites.

Rip currents, which are strong channels of water that move in an offshore direction, can increase the likelihood of drowning. Rip currents, which are prevalent along U.S. coastlines, can pull individuals from the shore into deeper waters with speeds of up to eight feet per second.

Over 80 percent of rescues performed by surf beach lifeguards are attributed to rip currents. Furthermore, data provided by the United States Lifesaving Association indicates that over 100 individuals die each year as a result of rip current.

Drownings can also occur due to human error and negligence such as, the failure to provide adequate warning regarding unsafe conditions, failure to provide adequate supervision, or failure to employ necessary safeguards.

Taking safety precautions can help avoid drowning accidents.

Following these safety tips can help prevent drowning accidents:

• Learn to swim.
• Be aware of other swimmers in or around the water.
• Learn CPR.
• Use a buddy system and select site that have lifeguards.
• Learn the meaning of warning signs and obey them.
• Know the terrain.
• Avoid rip currents.
• Use a life jacket.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Learn boat safety.
• Know the weather.

If your loved one has been killed in a drowning accident, contact an attorney immediately. An attorney can review the circumstances of your case to determine whether negligence was involved. If so, an attorney can ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.