Drowning is a serious public health concern, often misunderstood due to dramatic portrayals in media. Understanding the term “drowning” is important for prevention and effective response. It is a process with various potential outcomes, not solely a fatal event.
The Core Definition of Drowning
Drowning is officially defined as “the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion or immersion in liquid.” This definition, adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO), describes the process itself, not necessarily the outcome.
This process can lead to different results, including death, injury or illness (morbidity), or no lasting effects. “Respiratory impairment” means difficulty breathing, and “submersion or immersion in liquid” refers to the nose and mouth being covered by water. Water does not always need to enter the lungs for the drowning process to begin.
What Happens During a Drowning Event
During a drowning incident, physiological responses occur as the body struggles for oxygen. A person may initially experience panic and involuntary breath-holding to prevent water from entering the lungs. This can last from 20 seconds to two minutes, depending on water temperature and individual factors.
As oxygen levels decrease and carbon dioxide builds up, an involuntary gasp reflex can be triggered, leading to water aspiration. Laryngospasm, a reflex where vocal cords spasm and close the airway, can temporarily prevent water from entering the lungs but also blocks air intake. This protective mechanism can cause hypoxia, depriving tissues of oxygen. Consciousness is lost due to lack of oxygen to the brain, eventually leading to cardiac arrest.
Understanding Different Drowning Outcomes
Drowning outcomes are categorized as fatal or non-fatal. Fatal drowning occurs when respiratory impairment leads to death. Non-fatal drowning means the person survives, though they may experience health issues, including brain damage or permanent disability.
Terms like “dry drowning” and “secondary drowning” are not distinct types of drowning. They describe complications or delayed symptoms after a non-fatal drowning event. “Dry drowning” refers to cases where laryngospasm prevents water from entering the lungs, but respiratory distress still occurs due to airway closure. “Secondary drowning” describes delayed respiratory problems, sometimes hours after the incident, caused by water irritating the lungs and leading to inflammation or fluid buildup. Medical evaluation is important after any water-related respiratory impairment.
Identifying Someone Who Is Drowning
Recognizing someone who is drowning can be challenging, as it often looks very different from popular media depictions of dramatic splashing and yelling. Drowning is frequently a quiet and undramatic event, with the person instinctively focusing all energy on trying to breathe. They are typically unable to call for help because their respiratory system prioritizes breathing over speech.
Key signs of the instinctive drowning response include the head being low in the water with the mouth at water level, or tilted back with the mouth open. Their eyes may appear glassy, unfocused, or closed, and hair might cover their forehead or eyes. A person drowning often remains vertical in the water, appearing to press down with their arms as if climbing an invisible ladder, rather than kicking their legs or waving for help. This struggle can last only 20 to 60 seconds before submersion occurs.