Texas Accident & Injury News
Drowning accidents peak in the summer months.
13-Year-Old Drowns in Boerne Lake, Body Recovered 20 Feet from Shore
Update: Boerne Fire Chief Manny Casarez identified the boy as 13-year-old Jaylen Robinson. Read the full report to hear his warnings on water safety at Beorne Lake.
According to a News4SanAntonio report, a teenage boy tragically drowned in Boerne Lake Sunday evening.¹
The Boerne Fire Department reported the accident happened at around 6:30 p.m. Sunday, June 28th, at Boerne Lake. Dispatchers received a 911 call reporting that a child had gone underwater and had not resurfaced.
Witnesses told first responders that two children were swimming when they began to struggle. A bystander was able to rescue one child but could not locate the second after returning to the water.
Multiple agencies searched through the evening before recovering the 13-year-old boy’s body around 9 a.m. Monday. Officials said he was found approximately 20 feet from shore in about 15 feet of water.
Boerne Lake remains closed while the investigation continues.
Did You Know?
Roughly 1,000 fatal drownings occur in natural bodies of water across the United States each year, according to the American Red Cross.²
Natural Water vs. Swimming Pools: Why Lakes Pose Greater Risks for Older Children and Teens
Many parents spend years teaching their children how to swim and stay safe around water. By the time kids reach their preteen and teenage years, it’s easy to believe those lessons are enough.
Unfortunately, drowning statistics tell a different story.
While young children remain at the highest overall risk, older children and teenagers are far more likely to drown in lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water. These environments are unpredictable, and even confident swimmers can find themselves in trouble within seconds.
Lakes Present Risks That Pools Don’t
Natural bodies of water are constantly changing. Unlike a neighborhood pool, there are no clearly marked depths, smooth bottoms, or controlled conditions.
Swimmers may encounter:
- Sudden drop-offs
- Murky water that limits visibility
- Uneven or slippery lake bottoms
- Underwater vegetation, rocks, or debris
- Cold water that can cause muscle fatigue or shock
A child who feels completely comfortable in a swimming pool may struggle when faced with these unfamiliar conditions.
Confidence Can Lead to Bigger Risks
As children get older, they naturally become more independent. They often swim farther from shore, spend more time in the water, and rely less on adults.
That confidence can sometimes create a false sense of security.
Older children and teens may:
- Swim beyond their abilities
- Underestimate how quickly fatigue sets in
- Feel pressure to keep up with friends
- Take risks they would have avoided when they were younger
- Assume they can always make it back to shore
Many drowning victims are described as good swimmers. Swimming ability helps, but it cannot eliminate every danger found in natural water.
Drowning Is Usually Silent
Movies often portray drowning victims yelling, splashing, and calling for help.
Real life is very different.
A person who is drowning is usually focused entirely on trying to breathe. They often cannot wave, shout, or attract attention.
To someone standing on shore, they may appear to be calmly treading water or simply bobbing beneath the surface.
That’s why active supervision remains essential, even for teenagers and experienced swimmers.
Water Safety Tips for Older Children
Parents can’t remove every risk, but they can dramatically reduce the chances of a tragedy by setting clear expectations before anyone enters the water.
Helpful safety reminders include:
- Never swim alone.
- Stay within designated swimming areas.
- Wear a properly fitted life jacket when appropriate.
- Avoid diving into unfamiliar water.
- Stay close enough to shore to return safely.
- Tell an adult immediately if someone appears to be struggling.
It’s also important for parents to know where their children are swimming and to avoid assuming another adult is supervising.
What to Do If Someone Is Drowning
A drowning emergency unfolds quickly, and the first few minutes are critical.
If you believe someone is drowning:
- Call 911 immediately.
- Throw a life jacket, rope, or flotation device if one is available.
- Reach or throw—don’t go. Unless you’re trained in water rescue, entering the water yourself can put you at risk as well.
- Alert lifeguards or emergency responders if they are nearby.
- Begin CPR if the person has been removed from the water and is not breathing, provided you are trained to do so.
Quick action can make the difference between life and death.
After a Drowning Tragedy
Not every drowning is the result of negligence. However, there are situations where unsafe property conditions, inadequate supervision, or other preventable hazards may contribute to a tragedy.
For families who have lost a loved one, an investigation can help determine exactly what happened and whether someone else’s negligence played a role.
Lost a Loved One in a Drowning Accident? Call Shaw.
Drowning cases often require a careful investigation to determine whether unsafe conditions or negligence contributed to the tragedy.
If your family lost a loved one in a drowning accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Funeral Expenses
- Burial Costs
- Medical Bills Incurred Before Death
- Emotional Pain and Suffering
- Loss of Companionship
- Wrongful Death Damages
- And More
We’ll help you find out for free.
Call Shaw at 800-862-1260 today or use our live chat to schedule your free consultation with an experienced wrongful death attorney. No fees, no obligations, just straightforward legal guidance from a firm that puts clients first.
We look forward to serving you.