"Near drowning" means a person almost died from not being able to breathe (suffocating) under water.

If a person has been rescued from a near-drowning situation, quick first aid and medical attention are very important.

Drowning - near

• Thousands of people drown in the United States each year. Most drownings occur within a short distance of safety. Immediate action and first aid can prevent death.
• A person who is drowning usually cannot shout for help. Be alert for signs of drowning.
• Children can drown in only a few inches of water.
• It may be possible to revive a drowning person even after a long period under water, especially if the person is young and was in very cold water.
• Suspect an accident if you see someone in the water fully clothed. Watch for uneven swimming motions, which is a sign that the swimmer is getting tired. Often the body sinks, and only the head shows above the water.

• Attempted suicide
• Blows to the head or seizures while in the water
• Drinking alcohol while boating or swimming
• Falling through thin ice
• Inability to swim or panicking while swimming
• Leaving small children unattended around bathtubs and pools

Images

Drowning rescue on ice, board assist

Drowning rescue, reaching assist

Drowning rescue, board assist

Drowning rescue, throw assist

Heimlich maneuver on adult

Drowning rescue on the ice, human chain

Review Date: 01/04/2011
Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)