A Drowning Event

A person can be said to have experienced a 'drowning event' if any of the three phases have been reached. Recovery from such an event can lead to symptoms including coughing, shortness of breath, vomiting and delayed respiratory infections or psychological responses. A feeling of 'wellness' may not be implicit the person has fully recovered and side affects may manifest up to 72 hours and therefore the individual should seek medical / hospital review.

The drowning process

1.Immersion

Implies that at least the airway and face are under water, though the rest of the body may be floating.

2.Submersion

Requires that the whole body be below the surface of the water.

3.Aspiration

The process of solids or fluids entering the lungs.

Three distinct stages of drowning

1.Distress

This is where a person has difficulty in getting to safety but has enough skill or buoyancy to remain afloat. They can wave or call for help. People may often be unaware of their situation or unwilling to call for the assistance of an instructor. Getting into difficulty can create feelings of embarrassment. It is key to intervene and take control at this early stage.

2.Panic

This follows on from distress as the casualty loses strength. Panics can occur on sudden water entry or depth increase. This is the classic ‘climbing ladder’ stage.

3.Submersion

Once submersion occurs it is very difficult to locate the casualty due to visibility and currents.

If a student appears to be a weak a swimmer or lacks sufficient water confidence by any of these behaviours / signs, remove them from the lesson immediately.

A

Flailing of the arms simultaneously in an attempt to keep the head above water. This condition demands immediate response. Waving for help is relatively uncommon because a distressed swimmer concentrates on using arms to stay afloat.

A stroke that barely clears the water with the head very low to the water, with no visible kick, is evidence that the individual is a very poor swimmer. Good swimmers usually have chin well clear of the water. Close attention should be given to this person.

Waves breaking over the head. Competent surf swimmers usually duck under waves. Watch this person closely. Bobbing up and down with water over the head with an obvious attempt to get air. Take immediate action.