Drowning experts share lessons from Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s death

Drowning experts are hopeful that the public can learn from a recent actor Malcolm-Jamal Warneruntimely death.

“If you are caught in a torn number one is: Don’t panic. Let the torn current take you at sea until it weakens,” John R. FletemeyerA aquatic professional a 30 year focusing on researching and developing drowning prevention education programs, says only Weekly US.

Fletemeyer quotes current research from James McMahanCoastal scientist based in California, adding that he recommends people “just let the current get you out.”

“Based on his research, I think it’s probably good advice,” says Fletemeyer Us. “The other advice you see, on every beach, is that if you are caught in a tearing current, do not upset, let the current take you at sea until it weakens, then swim in either direction, parallel to the shore, and then swim back ashore.”

Related: Malcolm-Jamal Warner tried to rescue his daughter before drowning: the police

Malcolm-Jamal Warner tried to rescue his daughter in the ocean before he drowned, an officer confirms to us Weekly only. According to Elberth León, Head of Tourism Police for the Atlantic Costa Rica region, Warner and his daughter were dragged by an ocean current when the accident happened on Sunday, July 20. “Both (…)

Andrew SchmidtYes, MPH, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Florida, Jacksonville, and Director of Life Life without borders, notes that “a couple of different types of tearing currents,” but they can generally be described as “water currents that essentially detract from shore.”

“Obviously, this causes panic and danger and safety issues with swimmers, because… suddenly they realize they can’t go back to shore,” said Schmidt Us. “And often, if they don’t know what a cyclical looks like or they haven’t spent time on that beach looking out before they get into the water, they’re not sure why they can’t swim back.”

According to Schmidt, the most important thing for swimmers is to “educate yourself” on tearing currents and how to move through them. Life rescuers or other locals on the beach can also be a useful resource.

“Walk up and (say), ‘Hey, I don’t swim here much. What are some areas I want to avoid?’” Add Schmidt. “Especially a lifeguard, (ask them), ‘Hey, what are some bad tears do you have?’”

Schmidt says that knowing how to recognize a torn current is the first step to know if it is safe to be in the water at all. He also advises swimming with a lifeguard in sight, if possible.

“If you can’t swim with a lifeguard… having someone who knows you’re in the water (is important),” said Schmidt, noting that the person on the beach may be available for help if needed.

Reda’s Costa Red Cross confirmed to Us On July 21, the emergency personnel attended two adult patients on a beach after being caught by a high current in the water.

One man was transported in critical condition to the local clinic, while CPR was performed on the second man – Warner – on the spot. The Punishment show Alum was announced dead shortly afterwards. It was 54.

The other person was later released, according to local authorities.

León’s elbowHead of Atlantic Region Tourism Police, said only Us At the time of the incident, Warner and his daughter – who have never been publicly named – were both in the water when they were “dragged by the current.” The late actor tried to save his daughter, according to León.

“They bathed together and were caught by a torn current,” he said. “Obviously, as a father, he fought for his daughter, but the current in that area is very strong, and could not achieve the objective.”

He continued, “Two people who were there at the location went in with a surfboard and a boogie board to help save the people caught in the currents. They managed to stay with the girl, managed to get her on the table, but because of the strength of the current, one of them, from Nicaragua, had to drop the table and push it.

Fletemeyer told Us That – in spite of people understandably wants to help a stranger or loved one – it is not recommended to enter the water in an attempt to save someone else.

“Absolutely nothing,” he said. “I have looked at more than a thousand torn drowns and in many tragic cases, a good Samaritan, an opponent, will jump in to try to save the person in the torn current – and they will eventually be a victim as well.”

As Us Previously reported, the area where Malcolm drowned is known for his strong currents.

Fletemeyer says – who has visited the area and describes Limon in particular as “famous for being dangerous” – “many fields in Costa Rica are dangerous for tourists.”

“Costa Rica has (some) beaches (which) are very similar to California beaches – they are high -energy beaches, which means there are large waves that affect the shoreline,” he adds. “Tirt currents are penetrating. They are found on any ocean beach – we call them surf beaches.”

According to Fletemeyer, there are over 100 drowning deaths due to torn currents every year in the United States alone. Anywhere between 80 and 95 percent of all rescuers made by lifeguards patrolling California beaches alone is made as a result of a victim being trapped in a torn current.

“California’s life rescuers, every year, perform tens of thousands of rescue,” he adds. “I’m in the Florida area, and lifeguards in Florida perform thousands of rescue, and 90 to 90 percent of those rescues is the result or result of a victim caught in a tear -current.”

Related: Why were lifeners on duty on the beach where Malcolm-Jamal Warner drowned

Playa Grande’s lifeguards claim they were not “present” on the beach at the time of Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s death due to a lack of “resources.” “We are very regrised at passing Malcolm-Jamal Warner in Playa Grande. He was swept away by a strong tear current and died by drowning,” Caribbean Guards, Costa Rica’s Voluntary Living Savior Association, (…)

A lack of funding contributed to the absence of a certified lifeguard at the time of Malcolm’s death, despite the area’s known dangers.

“Due to recent aquatic events in Playa Negra, we had redirected resources there and to Chiquita, another iconic beach known for its strong currents,” read the July 21 statement by the Caribbean Guards, the Association of Volunteer Life Savior Costa Rica. “From the Caribbean guardian, a voluntary lifeguard society, we are appealing urgently to the nation’s president, the national government, the Talamanca borough, and the whole Caribbean community to continue to join in reducing this problem, which, unfortunately, is on the rise across the whole country.”

“The mistake is with the government,” said Fletemeyer. “In Costa Rica, they hang their hat on their beautiful beaches-the eco-tourism-and yet they are not ready to make the investment.”

He continued, “Without that investment, people basically go out and have no clue or no indication that they put themselves at extreme danger – their families in incredibly dangerous situations.”

Schmidt adds “There’s no question” the presence of trained life rescuers can “reduce” drowning events significantly. He says that being familiar with your surroundings – including signs, emergency services, neighboring hospitals and more – is another step that can be taken.

“Having those things in the back of your mind – no matter where you are, where you go – can significantly reduce your chances (from something going wrong),” Schmidt told us.