Most parents think that the risk of drowning ends when their child gets out of the water. However, danger can remain long after swim time ends. Dry and secondary drowning incidents, although rare, can actually occur up to 24 hours later.

According to the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), dry and secondary drowning can occur after a swimmer inhales water through the nose or mouth. With cases of dry drowning, the water triggers a spasm in the airway, causing it to close up and impact the swimmer’s breathing. Secondary drowning, also called delayed drowning, occurs when swimmers have taken water into their lungs. Over time, the water builds up and eventually causes breathing difficulties.

The symptoms of dry drowning will usually occur directly after a water incident. However, secondary drowning symptoms can take hours to appear after a near-drowning incident. To play it safe, be sure to watch for the following signs in a swimmer who has recently inhaled a large amount of water:

• Trouble breathing
• Coughing
• Sleepiness or a drop in energy level
• Irritability
• Chest pain
• Vomiting

Even if the symptoms are mild, it is important to have your child examined just to be sure. Your doctor can determine if oxygen levels are low, if airways are blocked or if there is water in the lungs. Once diagnosed, the doctor can provide the best treatment for the child.

Like many accidents and injuries, however, dry and secondary drowning can be prevented. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to:

• Help your children learn to swim as early as possible.
• Be vigilant when watching kids swim and play in or around bodies of water (even plastic pools and bathtubs).
• Discourage rough play in and around the water.
• Never let children swim alone.
• Teach children not to dive in shallow water.
• Don’t allow children to swim in a pool without a lifeguard.
• Warn teenagers of the risks of swimming under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Source: American Osteopathic Association