Groups » Dry Drowning – Everything That Parents Need To Know

Dry drowning is one of the rare cases, where kids (or even adults) may die from water getting in their airways moments after they emerge from a water body. As opposed to secondary drowning, it takes only a few hours to a day for children to succumb to it. The risk increases manifold when parents take the signs and symptoms for something else.

Recently, a father in Colorado could recognize the symptoms of dry drowning in his son. This was possible only because he happened to read about something similar. Likewise, as parents to toddlers, tweens and teenagers, you need to become more aware of this lesser known cause of drowning, including the ways to prevent it in the first place.

That said, let's take a look at everything that's there to know for parents so that you too can take an informed decision lest anything happens:


What Happens In Dry Drowning?

Dry drowning takes place when water enters the airway either through the mouth or the nose but never reaches the lungs. It causes a spasm in the airway, eventually closing it up. As a result, breathing becomes difficult.

Even if your child has been in the water for say, a few minutes, they may experience dry drowning as it occurs soon after they leave the water. In extreme cases, dry drowning escalates fast and can prove to be fatal.


What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Dry Drowning?

One of the best ways to nip dry drowning in the bud is to know all its possible signs and symptoms, which include but are not limited to the following:

✓ Constant coughing – When your kid comes out of the water body and starts coughing non-stop, it can be a tell-tale sign that the water has entered his/her airways.

✓ Difficulty in breathing – Difficulty in breathing is another warning sign of dry drowning.

✓ Change in behavior – Is your child is displaying any sudden change in behavior? Is he/she experiencing foggy memory or feeling unusually sleepy? This might indicate lack of oxygen in the body, which is an effect of dry drowning.

✓ Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea – If your child starts vomiting or has a case of severe nausea and diarrhea post a swimming session, it indicates an obstructed airway.


What To Do When You Notice Dry Drowning Symptoms?

Here are some of the steps to take when you notice any signs and symptoms of dry drowning:

● If you notice excessive coughing with difficulty in breathing, rush your kid to the ER and consult a pediatrician.
● If your child is showing signs of extreme fatigue after an active swim session, seek medical help immediately, instead of putting them in bed.
● If you notice a change in the behavior of your child, do not take it for granted and consult a physician.
● If you find your kid throwing up or coughing after playing in a water body, take them to the ER at the earliest.


What Are The Ways To Prevent Dry Drowning?

They say a stitch in time, saves nine. Prevent dry drowning in the first place with these sure-fire tips:

● Make sure that your kids are properly trained in swimming. Enroll them in swimming classes before you let them enter any water body such as a pool, lake or ocean, however shallow it might be. This includes kiddy pools as well!

● Ensure that they know all about practicing safety while they are in water, even with lifeguards or parents around to keep a watch on them. Don't forget that dry drowning can occur even when the kids are partially submerged in water.

● Encourage your kids to keep their mouths closed when they're under water or when their face is near water. Don't let them pull off any stunt that may lead to any unfortunate event!

● Remembering the signs and symptoms is necessary. Nevertheless, make your kids use floatation devices as a precautionary measure.

● Always pay close attention to your kid when they enter the water. This holds true for all kids, even those who are capable of swimming quite well.


However, when you find that your child experiences dry drowning because of third-party negligence, you might want to opt for legal help. An expert attorney will help you seek compensation and guide you with their experience and expertise in the field. Savannah personal injury attorney for instance, is the best option for parents who want to seek compensation for legal cases involving dry drowning or other variations of personal injury in Georgia.


Calling It A Day

So, the next time you accompany your kid to a water body, you know what all you need to do to avoid dry drowning and revel in maximum fun and frolic with them.


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