Drowning is the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion/immersion in liquid. It can be fatal or nonfatal, and it can cause brain damage and other serious outcomes, including long-term disability. Drowning occurs when a person spends too much time with their nose and mouth submerged in a liquid to the point of being unable to breathe. The following are some key points about drowning:

• Outcomes: Outcomes of drowning are classified as death, morbidity, and no morbidity. Nearly 40% of drownings treated in emergency departments require hospitalization or transfer for further care.

• Risk factors: Increased access to water is a risk factor for drowning. Children who live near open water sources, such as ditches, ponds, irrigation channels, or pools are especially at risk. Other risk factors include head trauma, seizure, cardiac arrhythmia, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, alcohol and drug use, suicide, panic attack, myocardial infarction, depression, poor judgment, and scuba diving.

• Prevention: There are many actions to prevent drowning, such as covering wells, using doorway barriers and playpens, fencing swimming pools, and otherwise controlling access to water hazards. Developing a national water safety strategy can provide strategic direction and a framework to guide multisectoral action and allow for monitoring and evaluation of efforts.

• Symptoms: After successful resuscitation, drowning victims may experience breathing problems, vomiting, confusion, or unconsciousness. Occasionally, victims may not begin experiencing these symptoms until several hours after they are rescued.

• Types of drowning: Drowning can be fatal or nonfatal. Fatal drowning happens when the drowning results in death. Nonfatal drowning happens when a person survives a drowning incident. Nonfatal drowning has a range of outcomes, from no injuries to very serious injuries such as brain damage or permanent disability.

• Experience of drowning: The events that result in drowning can be divided into the following sequence: (i) struggle to keep the airway clear of the water, (ii) initial submersion and breath-holding, (iii) aspiration of water, (iv) unconsciousness, (v) cardio-respiratory arrest, and (vi) death – inability to revive. In addition, drowning victims may appear like they are doing the dog paddle when in fact, they are quietly drowning.

Drowning is a major public health problem, especially in children. It is important to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of drowning...