In spite of all our differences, the one thing that binds all living creatures is that we each have an expiration date. This finality to our existence is what makes life special, something to be cherished and protected. But occasionally things can go terribly wrong…
A 10-year-old South Carolina boy died several hours after he swallowed water in a swimming pool. He later complained of being tired and took a nap. When family members checked on him, he was having trouble breathing, his lips were blue, and water was dripping out of his nose. His family called 911, and a few hours later the boy died at a hospital. The coroner ruled the boy’s death as accidental drowning by asphyxiation and noted the boy’s lungs were filled with water.
Not all drowning deaths occur immediately. Secondary drowning occurs when water gets into the lungs and causes edema, swelling the tissue and reducing the lungs’ ability to exchange air. Secondary drowning can occur as much as 3 days later and without any warning signs, medical experts say.
In 2005 there were 3,582 accidental drowning deaths in the United States, about 10 per day. Never leave young children unsupervised around pools or swimming areas. All children should learn how to swim. If a child starts acting strangely or has trouble breathing after leaving the water, seek medical attention immediately.
