Dry Drowning Incident Kills 10 Year Old

Doctors tell us that "Dry Drowning" while unfamiliar to most Americans is not uncommon as many as 15% of all drowning deaths occur hours after the victim actually inhaled water. Often these dry drowning deaths occur several hours after the victim has left the beach or pool in which he was swimming.

This was the case recently when a ten year old South Carolina boy after swimming in a neighborhood pool returned home with his mother after intially showing no symptoms of difficulty. The boy has apparently, inhaled some water from the pool in which he was swimming, but after a brief coughing spell returned to the pool and resumed playing with his friends.

Walking home the young boy showed no signs of distress as he talked with his mother about when he could return to the pool. Once home however, the boy became very fatigued and wanted to lie down. His mother felt that after a long period in the pool this was not unusual as often chlorine from the pool got into his eyes making him sleepy. However, the mother also noticed her son's speech had slowed and he was having difficulty speaking and breathing. He also 'wet himself' which may well have been a sign of loss of muscle control.

After her son had been in bed for an hour the mother checked on him only to find him non responsive. A yellowish foam surrounded his mouth.

The ten year old was pronounced dead with the arrival of the local rescue squad.

According to doctors dry drowning occurs when victims inhale water (even in small amounts). For example, in a 70 pound child, as little as one ounce of water aspirating or ingesting into the wind pipe can trigger a dry drowning. This aspiration into the wind pipe causes the larynx or wind pipe to spasm and shut off oxygen resulting in death by asphyxiation.

Doctors warn parents that the best preventive action is to carefully monitor children while in swimming. Have children advise you when they inhale water, no matter how small the amount. Watch for signs of difficulty in speaking, breathing, sudden drowsiness or problems with comprehension. If any of these are present the safest action is to go immediately to a hospital.

With the summer swimming season now upon us, parents please be aware of hidden threat to your children.