Non-Fatal Drowning
Most people understand what drowning is. Drowning occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted or prevented because their airway is submerged in a liquid, such as water. But not all drownings are fatal. When a drowning doesn’t result in a death it’s called non-fatal drowning. Non-fatal drowning can result in serious long-term health problems.
The Drowning Prevention Research Centre (DPRC) and the Lifesaving Society cite non-fatal drowning to be 4-4.5 times as common as fatal drowning in Ontario (based on emergency department visits and hospitalizations due to non-fatal drowning – i.e., only those reported). However, the number is likely higher as many non-fatal drownings are unreported.
When your ability to breathe is interrupted because your airway is underwater, your lungs are no longer able to supply a normal amount or any oxygen to your body. That reduction of oxygen quickly affects your organs, including your brain and heart. When a person survives a drowning incident, there can be long-term health effects and disabilities, like brain damage resulting in cognitive issues and compromised lungs, caused by the lack of oxygen that happened during the non-fatal drowning experience.
When you breathe in water, your lungs are no longer able to supply a normal amount or any oxygen to your body. That reduction of oxygen quickly affects your organs, including your brain and heart. Even a little water your lungs can cause serious lung problems in the next hours or days. And when drowning accident victims survive, there can be long-term health effects and disabilities, like brain damage resulting in cognitive issues and compromised lungs, caused by the lack of oxygen that happened during the non-fatal drowning experience.
Research Statistics
Research about and the tracking of non-fatal drowning incidents is relatively new to the global public health system. Many countries have only recently begun to track and report non-fatal drowning incidents that required an emergency department visit or hospitalisation.
According to the 2023 Ontario Non-fatal Drowning Report, non-fatal drowning rates are highest among children and youth. This differs from fatal drowning where rates are highest among adults. Males accounted for approximately two-thirds of non-fatal drownings; this differs from fatal drowning where males account for close to 80%.
Young children under the age of five years old lack balance and co-ordination and are at increased risk of falling into water if not supervised, or if the person supervising is distracted (i.e., out of arm’s reach, looking at their cell phone, reading a book, talking to someone, not in the room, etc.). Children can drown in as little as 2.5 centimetres (one inch) of water. It is important to supervise children closely and constantly when they are in, on or around water.
Youth 5-12 years may overestimate their own skills, underestimate the depth of the water or strength of the current, or respond to a dare from a friend. Always supervise youth when in, on or around water.
Males are more likely to be hospitalized than females for non-fatal drowning. Studies suggest that the higher drowning rates among males are due to increased exposure to water and riskier behaviour such as swimming alone, drinking alcohol before swimming alone and boating.
Delayed Symptoms
You’ll want to keep a close eye on someone for 72 hours following a close call in the water in which you believe their breathing was affected by the water. Delayed symptoms of drowning include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, coughing and/or chest discomfort. Extreme fatigue, irritability and behavior changes are also possible. Even a little water in the lungs can cause serious lung problems in the next hours or days.
Emergency medical care is critical after a person survives a drowning.
What to Do
- If you witness someone drowning, alert a lifeguard or call 911.
- If someone you know experiences a non-fatal drowning incident, they should be seen by a medical professional following the incident.
- Drowning symptoms may present up to 72 hours after an incident. Delayed symptoms of drowning include shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, coughing and/or chest discomfort. Extreme fatigue, irritability and behaviour changes are also possible. If you notice any respiratory symptoms including persistent cough or unusual behaviour, seek medical help right away. If symptoms are severe, call 911.
- Drowning is interrupted when an individual is able to receive oxygen in their lungs. Depending on the severity of the incident, treatment of drowning ranges from observation in the emergency department to supportive care in the ICU.
- Emergency medical care is critical after a person survives a drowning.
Prevention
- Wear a lifejacket or PFD.
- Learn basic swimming and lifesaving skills.
- Take a boating course.
- Be Prepared – Prepare yourself and your vessel.
- Know the risks of natural bodies of water (e.g., lakes, rivers, oceans etc.) including drop-offs, RIP currents, etc.
- Boat Sober – avoid using alcohol or substances around water.
- Be cold water safe.
- Avoid hyperventilating and/or holding your breath underwater.
- Take additional precautions for medical conditions.
- Consider the effects of medications.
- Learn CPR.
Children are at the highest risk of non-fatal drowning. When in, on or around water, children should always be actively supervised by an adult, regardless of the child’s age or ability. Consistent and uninterrupted, adult supervision means focusing all of your attention, all of the time, on children when they are in, on or around the water. Young children should stay within arms reach of a parent. If a young child is out of arms reach then they are too far away, including in the bathtub.