Key West Injury Lawyer Blog
A 73-year-old snorkeler has died after he was found passed out off Key Largo this week, according to local media.
The man, Dwaine David Anderson, of Crystal Falls, Michigan, was swimming on the Grecian Rocks reef off Key Largo Monday. Anderson was out with a commercial dive operation when he was found passed out, officials with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office told the Miami Herald.
The dive boat crew performed CPR as they raced back to shore. Anderson was transported to the Mariners Hospital in Tavernier where he was pronounced dead.
An official cause of death had not been released as of Wednesday.
Thousands of tourists routinely flock to Florida’s coasts year-round, and the chance to swim or participate in water sports is a big draw. With that, however, comes the risk of falling victim to the negligence of passing boaters or sudden weather and tidal changes.
In Panama City, Florida, the largest city between Tallahassee and Pensacola, there were at least eight drowning deaths related to rip currents, a current that can quickly pull swimmers from the beach through the surf zone. This number, which was recorded in 2023, marks the highest rip current death rate in the country.
In Monroe County, where this incident occurred and where Leesfield & Partners has one of three Florida offices, there were approximately 87 boating accidents with three deaths and 62 injuries. This was the county in Florida with the highest number of accidents and injuries in 2023, the year with the latest data available. These numbers come from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s annual Boating Accident Statistical Report.
Leesfield & Partners
As a firm with nearly 50 years of experience throughout Florida, Leesfield & Partners understands the hazards that come with water activities. From tragic boating accidents to unexpected jet ski crashes and drowning incidents, our attorneys know that the water can be both unpredictable and dangerous.
Previously, our attorneys have represented clients who suffered severe injuries and losses in a wide range of water-related accidents. Whether it’s a recreational boating incident or an emergency situation involving water sports, our team is here to ensure that the best possible outcome is achieved for victims and their families.
Leesfield & Partners has successfully handled numerous personal injury cases and worked tirelessly to provide the best legal support for injured clients.
Previous Cases
The firm obtained a $2.95 million recovery for a husband and father who lost his wife and two young daughters in a drowning incident.
Ira Leesfield, the firm’s Founder and Managing Partner, settled a confidential case involving a minor out of Osceola County. In that case, the minor and his family were guests at a resort hotel where he went swimming. As he swam, the minor was suctioned toward the pool drain and became trapped. The property did not have an emergency off switch for the drain. As a result, the boy was trapped for nearly 10 minutes. The lack of oxygen caused significant brain damage that would require life-long medical care.
This confidential settlement marks the largest result for a case of this type in Osceola County.
In South Florida, a toddler drowned as a result of an inadequately installed child-safety fence found around the property’s pool. A seven-figure settlement was obtained for the family in that case.
A Texas widow was represented by the firm in the death of her husband who drowned while out with a boat tour company. The woman was awarded $585,00 in the tragic death of her husband.
Water Safety
As schools close for spring break vacations and summer looms on the horizon, it is a given that families with children of all ages will find themselves by the pool or ocean. Tragically, according to the Centers for Disease Control, Florida has consistently ranked among the states with the highest accidental drownings for children ages 1 to 4 years old in the U.S. The Florida Department of Health states that enough children 5 and younger have drowned to fill three to four preschool classrooms.
While no one can predict when a day out on the water or by the pool will suddenly turn into a nightmare due to a drowning incident, it can help to be armed with the latest information. Every second counts when in an emergency and being prepared is crucial to cut down on reaction time.
Below are several water safety tips that may help in an emergency.
- Make sure all external doors leading to a pool area, or any body of water like a lake or ocean, are equipped with proper locks and alarms. This way, you will know when the door has been opened in case your child manages to unlock it.
- Children should be dressed in bright swimsuits that are easy to spot underwater.
- Never leave a child unattended near a body of water.
- Children who cannot swim should always wear a life vest and be in the water with an adult.
- All pools should be equipped with child safety fences and locks.
- Invest in swimming classes and water safety courses for children and adults.
- Take a CPR course to know what to do in case of an emergency.
- Keep toys away from the pool when not in use to prevent children from falling into the water when potentially trying to reach for them.
- Always completely remove a pool cover before jumping in for a swim.
