As families head to pools, beaches, and holiday spots this summer, parents need to know that water can still be dangerous even after a child is out of it. Although dry drowning is very rare, it can be life-threatening if not spotted and treated quickly. Knowing what it is, how it differs from regular drowning, and what warning signs to look for can help keep your child safe.
What is Dry Drowning?
Dry drowning, also called secondary drowning or delayed drowning, refers to breathing difficulties that occur after a person inhales a small amount of water. The condition is often confused with other post-submersion complications, but medically, there are two distinct types:
- Dry drowning: Happens when water never actually reaches the lungs. Instead, it triggers a spasm of the vocal cords (called laryngospasm) that closes the airway, making breathing difficult.
- Secondary drowning (or delayed drowning): Occurs when a small amount of water enters the lungs, causing irritation, inflammation, and fluid build-up (pulmonary oedema) that can make breathing progressively more complicated over time.
Both can develop within minutes to hours after a swimming incident, and while rare, they require immediate medical attention.
How it Happens
Children are most at risk because they can accidentally swallow or inhale small amounts of water while swimming, playing in shallow pools, or even during a bath. Dry drowning can occur after any situation where water enters the mouth or nose unexpectedly.
For example:
- Being dunked underwater while playing.
- Swallowing water after jumping into a pool.
- Struggling briefly to stay afloat.
- Coughing or choking after inhaling water during a bath or shower.
When this happens, the body reacts by tightening the airway to prevent more water from entering. However, this reflex can also restrict oxygen flow, leading to laboured breathing, coughing, or fatigue. In secondary drowning, even a small amount of water that reaches the lungs can cause inflammation that worsens over several hours, making it harder for oxygen to pass into the bloodstream.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Symptoms of post-submersion breathing complications typically appear within one to 24 hours after leaving the water. Parents should seek immediate medical help if a child shows any of the following signs:
- Persistent coughing or choking after swimming or bathing.
- Shortness of breath or laboured breathing (rapid or noisy breaths).
- Extreme fatigue or unusual sleepiness may indicate low oxygen levels.
- Chest pain or tightness.
- Pale or bluish skin, lips, or fingertips (indicating poor oxygen flow).
- Irritability or confusion.
- Vomiting, which can result from a lack of oxygen or aspiration of water.
Preventing Dry Drowning and Water-related Incidents
Always Supervise Children Near Water – Most drowning and near-drowning events happen when caregivers are distracted, even for a few seconds. Stay within arm’s reach of infants and young children when they’re in or around water.
Teach Water Safety Early – Enroll children in swimming lessons when developmentally ready (usually after age 1). Teach them never to swim alone or run near pools.
Use Age-appropriate Flotation Devices – Only use approved life jackets, not inflatable toys or arm floaties, when boating or swimming in open water.
Watch for Water Inhalation Incidents – If your child coughs persistently or swallows water during play, monitor them closely afterwards, even if they seem fine.
Empty Small Water Sources – Buckets, bathtubs, or even shallow paddling pools can be dangerous for toddlers. Empty them immediately after use.
Learn CPR – Knowing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can be lifesaving. In an emergency, effective CPR performed before paramedics arrive can double or triple a child’s chances of survival.
Dry drowning and secondary drowning are rare but serious conditions that can occur hours after a seemingly harmless swim or bath. The best protection is prevention: vigilant supervision, water safety education, and awareness of the warning signs. If your child has been in a near-drowning incident or shows any breathing difficulties after swimming, seek medical care immediately.
Affinity Health members can enjoy peace of mind this holiday season with 24/7 telehealth GP consultations, unlimited doctor visits at Medical Society centres, and access to a nationwide network of healthcare providers, so help is always close by.
