drown

Drowning is the process by which a person dies from asphyxia caused by submersion or immersion in liquid, most commonly water. The verb drown refers to the act of submersion, while drowning can also denote the condition itself. Non-fatal submersion episodes are sometimes called near-drowning or non-fatal drowning.

Submersion can trigger airway water exposure, leading to coughing, choking, and rapidly decreasing oxygen levels. Without prompt restoration of breathing, brain injury and death can occur within minutes. Even after rescue and initial recovery, complications such as pneumonia or pulmonary edema may develop.

In the moment of danger, a person may struggle at the surface, be unable to call for help, have a glassy stare, or stop moving and sink. Survivors of near-drowning may have coughing, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath returning hours later. Drowning risk is influenced by age, swimming ability, alcohol or drug use, water conditions, and supervision.

Risk factors include young children who lack close supervision, weaker swimmers, and individuals in settings such as pools, lakes, rivers, or bathtubs. Other contributors are access to open water without barriers, boating or diving activities, sleep disorders, and medical conditions that increase water-dearing risk during immersion.

Prevention focuses on supervision and physical safety measures. Key steps are constant supervision around children, barriers around pools, the use of life jackets, swimming lessons, water safety education, avoiding alcohol near water, and ensuring trained responders are available.

If you encounter a drowning situation, call emergency services. If safe, reach or throw a flotation device rather than entering the water, unless you are trained. If the person is not breathing, begin CPR and continue until help arrives. Survivors may need medical evaluation for potential brain injury or delayed pulmonary complications.