Unmasking the silent killer, we delve into the deceptive nature of drowning. Often misunderstood, its signs are subtle and quiet, contrary to popular belief. Let's debunk the myths and understand the real face of drowning, potentially saving lives in the process.
Drowning is not the violent, splashing call for help that most people expect
It is the No. 2 cause of accidental death in children, ages 15 and under, and of the approximately 750 children who will drown next year, about 375 of them will do so within 25 yards of a parent or other adult.
- According to the CDC, in 10 percent of those drownings, the adult will actually watch the child do it, having no idea it is happening.
Other signs of drowning
Head low in the water, mouth at water level
- Eyes glassy and empty, unable to focus
- Not using legs-vertical
- Hyperventilating or gasping
- Trying to swim in a particular direction but not making headway
- Appear to be climbing an invisible ladder
- Parents-children playing nearby make noise
Except in rare circumstances, drowning people are unable to call out for help.
Breathing is the primary function of the respiratory system, speech is the secondary or overlaid function. Drowning people’s mouths alternately sink below and reappear above the surface of the water, and their bodies remain upright in the water without any support.
A person yelling for help and thrashing isn’t in real trouble
They are experiencing aquatic distress.
- Not always present before the Instinctive Drowning Response, aquatic distress doesn’t last long-but unlike true drowning, these victims can still assist in their own rescue.
