Dry Drowning (What is it and how to recognise it)

Dry or secondary drowning can occur hours after an individual inhales water or experiences a near drowning experience in or underwater.

The individual may appear to be recovered, but the inhaled water is absorbed into the lungs and can damage the membranes necessary to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.

It’s important to understand that secondary drowning is extremely rare and that properly supervised swimming is still a fun and healthy activity for kids.

It’s important to be vigilant however. The symptoms to watch out for included bouts of coughing and wheezing and gasping for air or lethargy.

It is good to remember that this is quite rare. If someone who has been through a near-drowning experience is going to struggle to breathe, it normally happens immediately.

It is recommended to monitor someone, particularly a child, for five to eight hours, and up to 48 hours afterwards to make sure the breathing is normal.

SaFA Training & Consultancy Ltd
www.safatraining.co.uk