Beloved actor's drowning death puts swimming safety in spotlight

The accidental drowning of actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner while on vacation in Costa Rica has drowning prevention experts at the Medical University of South Carolina hoping to prevent further deaths and close calls.

Adrianna Bellamy is the adult injury prevention coordinator at MUSC. Mary Beth Vassy is her counterpart on the kids’ side. 

“I think it's devastating,” Bellamy said of the death of the 54-year-old man best known to many for playing Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show. Warner also appeared on other shows and won a Grammy in 2015. “He's such a prominent figure and actor, and many people grew up watching him on TV. So it definitely hits home and touches on a soft spot for me.”

“It’s absolutely just so devastating that this happened,” Vassy agreed. “But it is a really good reminder that drowning happens to anybody. It doesn't discriminate, right? It can happen to lots of people. Let's learn from this situation, and let's see how we can take this to the community and let them understand why this is important and what to do in that situation.”

Warner’s situation

Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department reports that Warner died while swimming near Limon, an area frequented by surfers. In a statement, the department said it looked like he was swept away by a strong current. People in the area were unable to save him.

Warner was married with one daughter.

Coastal caution

As Warner’s family, friends and fans mourn his death, Vassy said she’s reminded of the importance of educating the public about rip currents. “I don't know all the details surrounding his death. But things that we really focus on with rip currents and swimming in the ocean are to stay relaxed, try to float and kind of go with the current until you get out of it instead of trying to swim against it.”

Swimming against the current makes people tired and raises the risk of drowning, she said. “So try to go with it to get out. And know the shape of the current. So rip currents typically have the same shape, where it's like they pull you in, but then once you get toward the back, you swim out, and then you can come back in to shore.”

Another piece of advice: try not to panic. “Try to float, try to make sure that you're staying calm. The longer you struggle, the longer you are freaking out, the more problems you're going to have.”

And swim near a lifeguard if there’s one around, Vassy said. The United States Lifesaving Association says the odds of drowning at beaches protected by its lifeguards are one in 18 million.

CDC recommendations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has its own recommendations for drowning prevention when it comes to any body of water. They include:

• Learning basic swimming and water safety skills.
• Putting fences around pools.
• Supervising kids closely.
• Wearing life jackets.
• Learning CPR.

Another one worth considering in light of Warner’s death: know the risks of natural bodies of water such as lakes and oceans. They may include not only dangerous currents but also rocks, vegetation and limited visibility.

Other CDC recommendations for safe swimming:

• Avoid alcohol.
• Use the buddy system.
• Know if you have a medical condition that raises your risk and take extra care.
• Consider effects of medications.
• Refrain from hyperventilating or holding your breath for a long time.

Another consideration

Bellamy, the adult injury prevention coordinator at MUSC, had another consideration to add to that list. “When it comes to drowning prevention in adults, a lot of times people tend to underestimate the current or the water situation and overestimate their own abilities,” she said.

“While drowning is an unfortunate event that may seem like it couldn’t be prevented, it could be if you didn't go out so deep into the water or if you showed the water the true respect that it deserves. Make smart, mindful decisions and promote lessons – even for adults.”

Bottom line

“Drowning is usually preventable,” Vassy said. 

“Any drowning death is certainly tragic, whether it's an adult or a child, because I think ultimately we all understand that it could have been prevented in some way. And so we just hope that we can prevent them from happening again in the future for other family members, loved ones, friends, whoever. If we can prevent them, then that's our ultimate goal.”