"The first thing to remember is that drowning doesn't just happen, " says Alison Osinski, water safety expert and president of Aquatic Consulting Services.

CNN: Water safety expert: 'Drowning doesn't just happen'

Dolphins caught in old fishing nets, drowning because they can't break free.

CNN: The stark reality of a throw-away society

You could blame the financial crisis or the election for drowning out her 15 minutes of fame, except Torres isn't alone.

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