This is something that I had never heard of until just last year, and as I read more about it, the more astonished I became.  Many people don’t realize that people can drown even after they’re out of the water. It’s a rare phenomenon known as “dry drowning” or “secondary drowning.”

What was more astonishing, was that not only had I not heard of this, but many others as well.  So why is this a new thing?  Where did it come from suddenly.  Not sure it came suddenly, I guess it is just quite rare.
So as a pool owner, should I simply relax because it is so rare?  As a parent, I don’t think so.  As the temperatures in central New York, of late, have been wonderful and ideal for swimming, maybe we want to take a couple of moments to familiarize ourselves with exactly what this is.
Here are some facts to consider about “secondary drowning” or “dry drowning”…
It's a type of drowning that can occur several hours after an event.
Secondary drowning happens when someone inhales water into their lungs instead of swallowing it into the stomach.
Secondary drowning only takes a couple of inches of water depth, and it could happen anywhere, including a pool, a lake or even a bath tub.
Watch for other signs such as difficulty breathing, different coloration, coughing up material, sudden mood swings, and extreme fatigue.
Initially, they may have no symptoms whatsoever. The child may look completely normal. In time - within an hour or a day - they may show difficulty breathing, different coloration, coughing up material.  Get them to a doctor immediately.
Other signs of secondary drowning include difficulty breathing, sudden mood swings and extreme fatigue.
Not trying to cause alarms here, I just want folks to be aware of what this is and to keep a close eye on their kids this summer.  Read more about “Secondary drowning” or “dry drowning” here.
 A lot of pools and lakes in Central New York.  Enjoy them safely!

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