1 in 5 Drowning Victims Dies From an Unexpected Cause Outside Water

This year, the hot summer arrived early, bringing intense heat that felt like it was piercing the skin. As a result, many water recreational areas such as beaches, valleys, and water parks were crowded with people. With more people, accidents increase, especially in water activities where drowning accidents frequently occur. Many people mistakenly believe that drowning accidents only happen in the water, but there have been cases where accidents occur outside the water due to negligence. Let’s learn about dry drowning that can occur outside the water.

What is drowning?

Drowning refers to death caused by submersion in water, often resulting from water entering the airway, which is the breathing passage. It can also occur when cold water suddenly affects the skin or when ingested water stimulates the respiratory mucosa, leading to cardiac arrest. When entering cold water, the muscles responsible for respiration contract strongly, putting a strain on the heart. Therefore, people with circulatory system abnormalities need to be especially cautious.

Preventing water-related accidents

To prevent water-related accidents that occur every summer, what should we do? First, before engaging in water activities, it is important to stretch to avoid sudden exposure to cold water temperatures. When wiping water off the body, it is better to start from the farthest part of the heart to protect the heart. When swimming or going to deep areas, wearing a life jacket or tube is safer.

Is shallow water safe?

Is it safe in shallow water? Of course, surface water is generally safer than deep water because it is easier to escape in emergencies. However, for young children, even in shallow water, it can be difficult to control their bodies. In the case of valleys, the water can rush in all at once depending on the weather, making it difficult to escape and potentially leading to being swept away. Therefore, it is crucial to be cautious even in shallow water.

Dealing with water-related accidents

If a water-related accident occurs, what should we do? While it is best to prevent water-related accidents from happening, if they do occur, it is dangerous to rush into the water to rescue someone without proper experience or training. There is a risk of getting pulled into the water along with the person in distress. It is essential to check if any lifeguards nearby can help and use floating objects, such as buoys or ropes, to pull the person out of the water. The best course of action is to report the incident quickly.

Is it safe once out of the water?

Many people believe that drowning accidents only happen in the water. However, just because someone is out of the water doesn’t mean they are safe from drowning accidents. A type of drowning accident occurs outside the water, commonly known as “dry drowning.” Dry drowning occurs outside the water due to water entering the airway, making it difficult to recognize as a drowning accident, but it can still be considered drowning.

Causes of dry drowning

Dry drowning can occur even if a person is not fully submerged in deep water. It refers to suffocation outside the water caused by water swallowed during water activities. Some ingested water enters the lungs, causing inflammation and contraction, leading to suffocation. Dry drowning, which accounts for 20% of all drowning cases, is more likely to occur in people who are not proficient in swimming or beginners. It can also occur due to sudden immersion or unconscious water ingestion, leading to airway obstruction.

Symptoms of dry drowning

What are the symptoms of dry drowning, a suffocation accident caused by water outside the water? Dry drowning does not have noticeable symptoms immediately after drinking water, but physical changes appear within 48 hours. Symptoms include difficulty breathing due to laryngeal spasms, difficulty speaking, and the onset of hypersensitivity or abnormal behavior. The most significant symptoms include frequent coughing, chest pain, and feeling tired or sleepy after water activities.

Are children more at risk than adults?

There is a saying that dry drowning is more dangerous for children than adults. This is because dry drowning can occur even in shallow water, and the symptoms do not immediately appear but gradually develop over time, making it difficult for children to notice. Additionally, frequent coughing and tired after water activities are commonly seen even after excessive water play, so they are often disregarded. Therefore, extra caution and attention are needed, especially for young children and elderly individuals who may not be able to perceive and express their symptoms well.

Preventing dry drowning

Is there a way to prevent dry drowning? First, consuming enough fluids before and after water activities is essential. Hydration helps maintain the body’s fluid balance and keeps the airway and lungs moist. During water activities, it is necessary to use life jackets or tubes to prevent ingesting water. Additionally, it is needed to check for symptoms such as frequent coughing or difficulty breathing. Especially for young children and elderly individuals, who may not be able to perceive and express their symptoms well, extra attention is required from those around them.

Dealing with dry drowning

If dry drowning occurs, the most important thing is to call emergency services and go to the emergency room immediately. It is crucial to check if the person affected by dry drowning is conscious, and if unconscious, gently shake their shoulders to check for responsiveness. Then, check for breathing; if there is no breathing, perform CPR. Dry drowning is challenging to recognize as it may not show obvious warning signs, and by the time it is recognized, respiratory distress may have already begun. Therefore, quick reporting, seeking emergency medical help, and performing CPR are paramount.

By. Oh Hye-in (press@daily.co.kr)