New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Drownings on rise in state, data shows
The number of drownings in Connecticut so far this year is slightly higher than the number at this point last year, according to data provided by the state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
The data obtained by Hearst Connecticut Media showed there were 38 reported drownings statewide in 2020. At this time last year, 29 of those drownings had occurred. This year’s numbers indicate a slight increase, with at least 34 drownings, including the most recent incident in Fairfield and one in New Milford.
And this year’s total so far could be even higher. James Gill, the state’s chief medical examiner, said there may be some cases in July and August that are still pending and are not included on the list yet.
Of the 38 drowning deaths last year, 24 were ruled accidental, 10 classified as deaths by suicide and four undetermined, the data showed. This year’s data, which does not include official rulings on the Fairfield and New Milford incidents, indicates there have been 25 accidental drownings, five deaths by suicide, one homicide and one undetermined.
The homicide occurred at a Westport home, where police said Tracy Do, 46, drowned her 7-year-old daughter before taking her own life in June.
This year’s latest drowning victim was identified by Fairfield officials as 35-year-old Karlis Eltermanis.
The Bridgeport man’s body was found about 50 feet from the shore of Lake Hills Beach off Tahmore Drive in Fairfield around 12:45 p.m. Sunday. The swimmer had been first reported missing around 8:40 a.m. when a friend called 911 to report Eltermanis had not surfaced for several minutes.
First responders rushed to the scene and searched the water. Crews recovered Eltermanis in about 5-anda-half feet of water. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the Lake Hills Association website, the community has five active beaches around the reservoir. Each beach, the website indicates, is private and labeled with an identifying sign. The beaches are located off Tahmore Drive, Samp Mortar Drive, Mountain Laurel Road, Winnepoge Drive and Sasapequan Road. The fifth beach is at an undisclosed location.
The association’s president did not return request for comment Tuesday.
Last week, Norwalk resident Victor Garcia, 26, drowned while trying to save his son and another child who were struggling to swim in Candlewood Lake in New Milford.
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection advises residents who go swimming to drink responsibly as excessive alcohol consumption, and sometimes prescription medication, can impair judgment.
Parents should also always watch their children and keep them at arm’s length, DEEP states on its website.
“It only takes seconds for a child to drown, and this can occur silently,” DEEP states on its website.
Swimmers should also beware of underwater hazards such as sudden drop-offs, inshore holes, large rocks or tree roots. Diving and jumping into the water can also be dangerous, according to DEEP.
DEEP also asks swimmers to only stay in designated areas where lifeguards can see them, and follow rules established at the beach.