Dry Drowning: What You Need to Know

It seems every summer the news carries at least one story about a child involved in a ‘dry drowning’ incident. While the notion of drowning on land is tough to wrap your mind around, the fact that dry drowning is not even a medical term further complicates things. Which begs the question: then what is it?

Dry drowning refers to when you inhale water through the nose or mouth causing the vocal cords to spasm. The most accurate part of the term dry drowning is the use of the word ‘dry’ as no water ever actually enters the lungs. That said, dry drowning is a serious health condition and, in very rare instances, can be fatal.

In most cases, the spasming makes breathing difficult while in serious cases, the vocal cords may close completely over the windpipe and prevent air from entering the lungs.

Typically, signs of dry drowning occur within an hour after the incident takes place in the water.

Signs include: difficulty breathing or speaking, irritability or unusual behavior, confusion, lightheadedness or dizziness, fast or hard breathing, foaming at the mouth or nose, coughing, vomiting, chest pain, and low energy or sleepiness after a water incident.

If you notice any of these signs, call your pediatrician immediately. After hearing the symptoms, they may refer you to the Emergency Department or ExpressCare. If your child is really struggling to breathe, call 9-1-1 or head to the Emergency Department.

The best way to prevent dry drowning is to practice the same safety measures you would to prevent regular drowning. These include:

No Swimming Alone—EVER. This rule applies to everyone—even strong swimmers.   

Swim Only in Designated Areas. Whether you are at a public pool or beach, make sure children understand they are only to swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard.

Skip Breath-Holding Games. Because holding your breath for extended periods of time can lead to hyperventilation or even cause you to pass out, breath-holding games should be discouraged. Further, kids shouldn’t try to swim underwater for long periods without coming up for air.

Stay Away from Pool Drains. Pool drains are a swimming hazard in plain sight as bathing suits and even hair can get caught in them, leading to injury, or even drowning. Before kids enter a public or private pool, point out the pool drains and tell them to stay away from them. 

Closely Supervise Inexperienced Swimmers. Always stay within reach of a weak or inexperienced swimmer while in water. Young children or inexperienced swimmers should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water. However, you should not rely on life jackets, water wings, swim rings, inflatable toys or other items designed for water recreation as a substitute for adult supervision.

Be Vigilant. Even when lifeguards are present, you should provide close and constant attention to children, no matter how well the child can swim or how shallow the water. Avoid distractions, including cell phones. Never leave young children unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child. If you need to step away, either have your swimmers exit the water completely until you return or designate another responsible adult to serve as a ‘water watcher.’ Make sure children are aware that this individual is in charge until your return.

Be sure to enroll yourself and your kids in water safety classes (click here for a list of local pools to contact about classes). If you have a pool at your home, make sure it's completely fenced and always make sure the gate is secure.

Reija Rawle, MD, MS, is a member of the care team at the SVMC Pownal Campus.