Drowning

Death caused by suffocation when water or other liquid fills the lungs.

Overview

Drowning accidents can be prevented with precautions such as life jacket use and child supervision around water. Children can submerge in less than one minute.

Symptoms

Someone who is drowning and struggling to breathe is usually unable to call for help. The skin may appear blue from lack of oxygen in the blood.

Treatments

CPR is necessary for near drowning, as complications can cause later death.