Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning

http://mariovittone.com ^ | May 18, 2010 | Mario Vittone

[Starboard]

The Instinctive Drowning Response – so named by Francesco A. Pia, Ph.D., is what people do to avoid actual or perceived suffocation in the water. And it does not look like most people expect. There is very little splashing, no waving, and no yelling or calls for help of any kind. To get an idea of just how quiet and undramatic from the surface drowning can be, consider this: It is the number two cause of accidental death in children, age 15 and under (just behind vehicle accidents) – 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. In ten percent of those drownings, the adult will actually watch them do it, having no idea it is happening (source: CDC). Drowning does not look like drowning...

http://mariovittone.com/2010/05/154/

[Ghost of Philip Marlowe]

I also read recently that people who are truly drowning cannot speak, because their body shuts the epiglottis so that water cannot enter the lungs, that this is actually what leads to drowning (the people asphyxiate, pass out in the water, the epiglottis opens up and then the lungs fill with water).

I don’t know much about this, so don’t take my word for it.

Research it to be sure.

[BenLurkin]

BTTT

[Ghost of Philip Marlowe]

I also read recently that people who are truly drowning cannot speak, because their body shuts the epiglottis so that water cannot enter the lungs, that this is actually what leads to drowning (the people asphyxiate, pass out in the water, the epiglottis opens up and then the lungs fill with water).

I don’t know much about this, so don’t take my word for it.

Research it to be sure.

[Starboard]

I also read recently that people who are truly drowning cannot speak

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Many years ago a young girl silently drowned in a community pool I was at despite the presence of a life guard, who was unfortunately distracted. Terrible tradgedy. With all the commotion going on in the typical community pool or seaside resort it would be hard to hear cries for help even if the victim could momentarily speak.

[livius]

Somebody else posted this the other day, but it’s a valuable read for people who may have missed it.

Near drowning is like one of those bad dreams where something awful is happening to you but you can’t call out for help.

It is true that the throat shuts, and apparently the arms also lock down. The article tells you what to look for and it’s true. The one time I saw a near drowning, it was so quiet and undramatic that everybody missed it...except for one person who happened to look around because the child next to him had suddenly fallen silent. He grabbed him by the hair and brought him up just in time.

[rightly_dividing]

The source article should be printed and put on refridgerators of all families that enjoy swimming, and read aloud before the entire family on a regular basis.

My wife's sister lost a 4yo son in four feet of water right in front of many people having fun. You just can't be too careful with kids and water.

[Cloverfarm]

3-year-old sister of DD’s friend drowned last summer. Her whole family was at the lake and no one realized until too late. It’s been really hard on DD’s friend.

This is very important stuff. Thanks for posting it.