The 'Dry Drowning' Myth: What Parents Need to Know

Have you heard the term “dry drowning?” It may sound like a contradiction, but the name has been used in recent years to describe breathing problems that develop several hours after swimming or other water activities. Media reports of children becoming seriously ill or dying days after being in the water have fueled concern, leaving many parents understandably worried.

Despite its name, “dry drowning” is a myth and not a medical diagnosis, says University Hospitals pediatrician Tracy McCallin, MD. Research shows that if a child has complications after going underwater, symptoms like trouble breathing or unusual fatigue typically appear within 1-2 hours.

"Instead of focusing on the term 'dry drowning,' parents should know the signs of drowning and seek medical care right away if they appear," says Dr. McCallin.

Non-Fatal Drowning

Non-fatal drowning can range from mild to severe. Some children recover quickly, while others experience breathing problems, brain damage and other serious outcomes.

According to the CDC, for every child who dies from drowning, another eight receive emergency care for non-fatal drowning. Fortunately, most children recover after a non-fatal drowning, with only 5-10 percent developing a long-term disability, says Dr. McCallin.

What Parents Should Watch For

If your child is submerged and experiences any breathing difficulty, it’s vital to get your child checked by a medical provider.

Warning signs of drowning if a child has been submerged in water include:

• Persistent cough
• Fast breathing or difficulty breathing
• Significant confusion or mental status changes
• Persistent vomiting

Fatigue can occur after a day in the sun at the beach or pool, and a coughing or vomiting episode that goes away can occur after swallowing water into the stomach. These symptoms should only be worrisome if the child went underwater and they do not get better.

How To Prevent a Drowning Incident

Here is what parents can do to make water activities safer:

• Avoid swimming in pools or bodies of water without lifeguards.
• At the same time, don’t depend on lifeguards to supervise kids.
• Never leave a child unsupervised in the water. This includes bathtubs and baby pools. Get in the pool with young children or children who are not strong swimmers and always keep them within arm’s length.
• Pay attention to rip tide and weather warnings on lakes and oceans, and stay out of the water when conditions aren’t good for swimming.
• Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vest while boating and any time weak swimmers or non-swimmers are near the water.
• Ensure that home spas and pools have appropriate four-sided fencing.
• Enroll kids in swimming lessons as early as 1 year old.
• Learn basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which can be lifesaving when a drowning event does occur.

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University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s provides expert pediatric care for infants, children and adolescents. With expertise in 16 medical and 12 surgical specialties, our team of doctors, nurses and other clinical staff has experience in diagnosing and treating children for a range of medical issues, from common childhood illnesses to complex conditions.