Dry Drowning

The facts on this page are from Today, part of the MSN Network. The opinions are my own.

Dry drowning is something all parents need to be aware of. It is caused by water getting into the lungs, either at bath time or pool time.

The symptoms are fairly easy to spot if we are paying close attention to our children, during and after swimming.

Children with water in their lungs can act very normal. They can walk and talk. They can live for hours or a day.

Ten to fifteen percent of the 3,600 drowning deaths in 2005 were "dry drownings".

The symptoms are extreme fatigue and difficulty breathing. The lungs are having a difficult time getting oxygen to the brain. The water in them makes breathing difficult.

The last symptom is a change in behavior. If you notice any of these symptoms, and have reason to believe your child may have water in the lungs, get them to a hospital.

The treatment is fairly simple but without it they could die. They will force oxygen into the lungs until they have a chance to heal themselves.