While drowning remains one of the most tragic accidents that devastates families around the world, the international community continues its efforts to reduce this phenomenon, which claims the lives of thousands annually.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 300,000 deaths occur each year due to drowning, most of them in low- and middle-income countries where communities often lack protective measures and awareness of prevention and first aid techniques.
Types of Drowning
Medically, drowning is defined as "a condition of suffocation caused by the immersion of the body in a liquid, leading to respiratory impairment." Outcomes range from death, to complications like brain damage due to oxygen deprivation, or survival without health issues, according to WHO.
Performing first aid on a drowning victim can save their life — source: Freepik
Doctors classify drowning into major types based on how it affects the body:
1. Wet Drowning
This is the most common form. It occurs when water enters the airway and lungs, leading to the blockage of alveoli, fluid buildup in the lungs, and failure in oxygen exchange. This condition requires immediate medical intervention to avoid brain damage from lack of oxygen within minutes.
2. Dry Drowning
A rare but dangerous condition. Water doesn’t actually enter the lungs. Instead, the larynx spasms, closing off the airways as a defensive reflex, preventing air from entering the lungs. Symptoms may not appear immediately and can develop within minutes or hours, making early diagnosis critical.
3. Secondary Drowning
Also known as "delayed drowning", it happens when a small amount of water enters the lungs without causing immediate symptoms. Over time, it can lead to inflammation and fluid retention in the lungs, causing breathing difficulty that may become fatal if untreated. Hence, monitoring the victim for several hours after rescue is recommended.
4. Near Drowning
This refers to cases where the person survives a drowning incident but suffers from severe oxygen deprivation that can lead to neurological, respiratory, or cardiac complications. Hospital follow-up is essential as symptoms like fatigue, coughing, or breathing difficulty may appear hours after the incident.
Saltwater vs. Freshwater Drowning
In some cases, the type of water affects the drowning outcome:
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Saltwater can draw fluids from the bloodstream into the lungs, causing acute pulmonary edema.
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Freshwater may be absorbed into the bloodstream, possibly causing electrolyte imbalances and heart rhythm disturbances.
Though these chemical differences are less critical for resuscitation, they are helpful for scientific understanding.
Who Is Most at Risk of Drowning?
WHO reports that children under five account for about a quarter of global drowning deaths. The age group 1–14 years is also highly affected, with drowning being the third leading cause of unintentional death among children.
Studies show that males are more than twice as likely to drown as females, often due to riskier behaviors like swimming alone.
Risk Factors Contributing to Drowning
According to a report by the American Heart Association, the following factors increase the risk of drowning:
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Poverty: Many people live in areas where they must use open water sources like ponds and rivers.
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High-risk professions: Such as fishing. The FAO estimates over 32,000 fishermen die annually.
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Climate disasters: Drowning accounts for 75% of deaths from floods. Heatwaves also push people to water, increasing accident rates.
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Migration via dangerous sea routes: Especially during conflicts or disasters, when many travel in unsafe, overcrowded boats.
First Aid for Drowning Victims
In July 2024, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics issued new guidelines emphasizing immediate CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) for drowning victims.
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Start with two rescue breaths to restart breathing.
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Then, perform 30 chest compressions to restore blood circulation.
Studies confirm that using both breaths and compressions is more effective than compressions alone — especially in drowning cases where oxygen deprivation, not cardiac arrest, is the primary issue.
Saudi Arabia's Role in Global Drowning Prevention
In a leading global step, Saudi Arabia, as a UN member, adopted July 25 as World Drowning Prevention Day, supporting a UN General Assembly resolution issued in 2021.
This initiative reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable development goals and public health enhancement, especially in resource-limited countries.
Notably, in 2024, Saudi Arabia topped the WHO’s list of 140 countries in meeting the highest standards of water safety and rescue.
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