Why are there less drownings on ocean-side beaches than freshwater lakes?

Question

Personal flotation devices seem non-existant for oceanside individuals wading into large waves and dangerous riptides whereas individuals frequenting freshwater lakes to fish or ski are required and adhere to utilizing personal flotation devices. Can anyone elaborate.

Answer 1

My guesses are first, there are lifeguards at most ocean swimming beaches (I can imagine that there are many lakes which have no lifeguards at all), and second, the ocean, with the big waves, looks intimidating and fewer people take risks, while lakes may look like little more than swimming pools, and non-swimmers may go out over their heads (both literally and figuratively) more often.

Answer 2

Are there definitely more drownings in fresh water?

I can only think of a few possibilities:

1.  Salt water has a higher density so you float better than you would in fresh water, so the additional boutancy may help prevent drownings.

2.  There are usually life guards at swimming beaches.

3.  People stay close to the shore in the sea, in fresh water they swim further out.

4.  There are usually more people swimming at a beach, and would (hopefully) notice someone in trouble, on a lake, you tend to be isolated.