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Posted: June 07, 2017


By Debbie Lord, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

Cox Media Group National Content Desk

On average, 10 people will die in the United States today as a result of drowning. 

The image most of us have of a drowning is one of a person flailing in deep water then going under and not coming back up. However, something many people may not know is that not all drownings happen while the person is in the water.



Here’s a quick look at two ways – dry drowning and secondary drowning – a person can drown hours after leaving the water.

What is "dry drowning?"


How is it different from “secondary drowning?”

Secondary drowning happens when water gets into the lungs. It is usually a small amount of water, but it fills the air sacs of the lungs, causing pulmonary edema – or fluid in the lungs. With water in the air sacs, there is no room for air, so the person begins to drown. Secondary, or delayed drowning as it is sometimes called, can happen hours after inhaling the water.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of dry drowning and secondary drowning are similar and can be seen from between one hour to 24 hours after the incident. Usually sooner rather than later with dry drowning.

The symptoms include:

  • Coughing
  • Gasping
  • Chest pain
  • Trouble breathing
  • Feeling extremely tired
  • Lips or skin turning blue
  • Changes in behavior
  • A high-pitched breathing sound called stridor
  • Foam around the mouth – Anyone pulled from the water who is coughing or sputtering and has foam around their mouth needs emergency care immediately.

If a person who has been in water shows any of these symptoms, call 911 or get them to a hospital emergency room as soon as possible.

How is it treated?

It depends. Treatment can range from observation for a few hours,  to administering oxygen, to chest x-rays or more advanced medical support – intubation or use of a ventilator – in the most severe cases. (that is rare).

How do I prevent it?

Here are a few tips:

  • Obviously, watch your children when they are in and around water, any water. It takes only moments to take in enough water to cause drowning.
  • Make sure kids know how to swim and watch to make sure weak swimmers don’t go out beyond their abilities.
  • Don’t let kids get too tired in the water.
  • Encourage them to keep their mouths closed when going under water or when their faces are near the water.
  • Remember the symptoms. If you see any in your child, take him to the hospital.

How often does this happen?

Dry drownings and secondary drownings are rare. They account for between 1 and 2 percent of all drownings in the United States.

Sources: WebMD;;;


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Swimming pool

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