Olympia, Washington – One Man in Critical Condition After Nearly Drowning in Pattison Lake

Olympia, Washington (July 14, 2019) – A man was reported to be in critical condition after being pulled from Pattison Lake on Sunday evening. The victim, whose name has not been released, was unconscious when a rescue swimmer pulled him to shore. The man was then taken to Saint Peter’s Hospital. No other injuries were reported in the accident.

The man was reported unaccounted for after a canoe sank on the lake. Firefighters and rescue swimmers responded to the 5000 block of Atchinson Drive. A rescue swimmer, with the help of several neighbors, was able to pull the victim back to shore. There circumstances leading up to the near-drowning has not yet been determined.

About Boat Accidents

Like any other vehicle, boats can be involved in dangerous accidents. According to data from the American Boating Association, in the year 2016 a total of 4463 recreational boating accidents were reported, with 701 deaths and 2903 injuries. Additionally, in 80% of accidents where the cause of death was known, the victims of fatal boats accidents drowned, with 83% of drowning victims not wearing a life jacket. Additionally, in 171 known accidents, at least one person was struck by a propeller, resulting in 24 deaths and 175 injuries. As for the type of vessel used in these accidents, the highest percentage of deaths was associated with open motorboats at 47%, followed by kayaks at 13% and canoes with 9%. As for the cause of the accidents, alcohol is know to be the leading known contributing factor to fatal boat accidents. Other cause of accidents included operator inattention, operator inexperience, improper lookout, excessive speed, and machinery failure.

Preventing boating accidents comes down to ensuring boat safety regulations are followed. Like with any other vehicle, the vessel itself must be checked to make sure it is safe to use. Proper knowledge of the area where one will be boating is also encouraged. It is also important to make sure that all people on the boat have access to safety devices such as life jackets. Preventing accidents ensures not only our safety, but the safety of others.

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