Drowning

Drowning is death due to asphyxia caused by immersion in fluid, usually water. Near drowning is initial survival of a drowning accident which can lead to serious secondary complications including death; cases of near drowning therefore require attention by medical professionals. Secondary drowning is death due to chemical and biological changes in the lungs after a near drowning incident or exposure to chemicals. In many countries, drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children under 14 years old.

Occurrences

About 6500 drowning deaths occur in the United States every year, and an estimated 140,000 worldwide. The rate of near drowning incidents is unknown. Most of the victims are either young children, especially boys, or young adolescent males. In some regions, drowning follows car accidents as the second most likely cause of injury and death for children. Surveys indicate that 10% of the children under 5 experienced a situation with a high risk of drowning. Males, in general, are much more likely to drown than females. Also, 90% of drownings occur in freshwater. Drowning related injuries are the fifth most likely cause of accidental death in the US. The causes of drowning cases in the US are as follows:

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• 3100 drownings related to swimming
• 1200 boating related drownings
• 700 scuba diving related drownings
• 500 motor vehicle related drownings
• 1000 drownings of undetermined origin