Drowning

Drowning: What We Think We Know vs. Reality

Drowning is a silent killer, often shrouded in misconceptions. While the image of a frantic, splashing individual may come to mind, the reality of drowning is far more insidious. Understanding the truth about drowning is crucial for preventing tragedies and ensuring timely intervention.  

The Myth: Loud Struggles and Cries for Help

The most pervasive myth about drowning is the dramatic, Hollywood portrayal: a person flailing wildly in the water, screaming for help. This image is deeply ingrained in our collective consciousness, yet it’s largely inaccurate.

The Reality: Instinctive Drowning is Instinctive

In reality, drowning is often a silent struggle. The instinctual response to drowning is to keep the face above water to breathe. This leaves little energy for yelling or waving. The drowning person may:  

  • Appear to be simply treading water. They may tilt their head back, with the mouth at the surface of the water, trying to inhale.  
  • Be unable to speak or call for help. Their mouths may fill with water repeatedly.  
  • Make little or no noise.
  • Appear to be playing or simply bobbing in the water.
Drowning - Learn swimming prevent drowning
Learn swimming prevent drowning

The Myth: Easy to Spot

Many believe that drowning is easily noticeable, especially in crowded pools or at the beach. However, the reality is often quite different.

The Reality: Drowning is Often Unnoticed

  • Distractions are common. People are often engaged in conversations, reading, or watching other activities, making it easy to miss the subtle signs of drowning.
  • Drowning can be surprisingly quick. It can take as little as 20-60 seconds for a person to lose consciousness underwater.
  • Children are particularly vulnerable. Young children may not have the strength or awareness to signal for help, making their drowning even more difficult to detect.  

The Myth: “Dry Drowning”

The term “dry drowning” often circulates, referring to the delayed onset of respiratory problems after water inhalation.

The Reality: No Such Thing as “Dry Drowning”

While it’s true that some individuals may experience respiratory issues after a near-drowning incident, the term “dry drowning” is misleading. Drowning is defined as the impairment of breathing due to water entering the lungs.  

What to Look For

If you’re near a body of water, be vigilant for these signs of potential drowning:

  • Head low in the water, mouth at the surface.
  • Tilting head back with mouth open.
  • Trying to turn but not making progress.
  • Hair over the face.
  • Eyes glassy and empty.
  • Hyperventilating or gasping for air.
  • Appearing to climb an invisible ladder.

What to Do

  • If you suspect someone is drowning, act immediately. Call for help or dial emergency services.
  • If possible, reach or throw. Throw a flotation device, such as a life ring or ring buoy, to the person.  
  • Only enter the water if you are trained and it’s safe to do so.
  • If you must enter the water, approach the person from behind to avoid being pulled under.
  • Once the person is out of the water, begin CPR if necessary.

Prevention is Key

The best way to prevent drowning is through a multi-layered approach:

  • Adult supervision: Constant, attentive supervision is crucial, especially for young children.  
  • Swimming lessons: Learning to swim is an essential life skill.  
  • Life jackets: Use appropriate life jackets for all water activities, especially for children and weak swimmers.  
  • Barriers: Install fences and gates around pools to prevent unsupervised access.  
  • Emptying containers: Empty any containers that can hold water, such as buckets, bathtubs, and wading pools, after use.
  • Water safety education: Educate yourself and your children about water safety.  

By understanding the realities of drowning and taking proactive steps to prevent it, we can help keep ourselves and our loved ones safe in and around water.